By Hawa Dolley|
(LINA) – The Chief Observer of the EU Election Observation Mission (EU EOM), Andreas Schieder, has highlighted the importance of the October 10 election in Liberia, saying the elections represent a significant test for the democratic consolidation in Liberia.
According to him, it is important for the EU to accompany the Liberian people in the process, adding, “I trust that state authorities, political parties and all candidates will play their part in promoting a credible, peaceful, transparent and inclusive electoral process”.
Speaking in Monrovia recently, the Chief Observer said the EU Mission to Liberia was deployed at the invitation of the Liberian authorities and arrived in Monrovia on August 27 with a team of 10 analysts.
The mission observes and assesses the general elections against national law, commitments and obligations for democratic election deriving from international and regional standards, as well as good practices for democratic elections.
Schieder said that 20 long-term observers all over Liberia are already deployed since last week, noting that the mission observes and analyses the whole electoral process, including the legal framework, electoral administration, voter and candidates’ registration, the campaign environment, including in the media and social media, voting, counting and tabulation of the results, as well as the complaints and appeals processes.
“We will stay in the country until the completion of the electoral process,” he said.
Schieder added that after several meetings in Monrovia, “I can see the state of preparation of the institutions in charge of electrons as well as the candidates and political parties.”
He said their long-term observers deployed in all 15 counties already y met various stakeholders and are preparing and sending comprehensive evidence-based reports from their areas of observation.
Around Election Day, additional 40 short-term observers will reinforce the EU EOM that will have around 100 observers on the ground, including members of European Union parliament and EU diplomats accredited to Liberia, from the EU member states as well as from Canada and Norway
He said the EU mission undertakes its work in accordance with the declaration of principles for international election observation.
The body, he said, will issue its initial findings in a preliminary statement, which will be presented at a press conference two days after Election Day.
A final report with recommendations for improvement will be presented at a later stage.
Schieder is leading the EU mission as the Chief observer and has already met different stakeholders, including the National Elections Commission, Minister of Justice, Minister of State for Presidential Affairs, Associate Justice, candidates in the presidential race as well as the representatives of civil society and the media.
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