EU deploys election observation mission to Algeria

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EU deploys election observation mission to Algeria

30-03-2012

An EU Election Observation Mission is being deployed in Algeria from today, 30 March, at the invitation of the Algerian government, to observe the parliamentary elections due to take place on 10 May.

The mission will include more than 120 observers, who will be deployed across the country and cover all stages of the electoral process, thus contributing to transparency and confidence in the elections, a press release from the European Commission said.

EU foreign policy chief Catherine Ashton said Algeria and the EU enjoyed close and privileged ties. "I am delighted by the confidence shown by the Algerian government, which sent us this invitation. It reflects the maturity of our relations in which we maintain an open dialogue on all issues including the most sensitive. The elections of May 10 are important in the context of the reform process initiated by Algeria in 2011."

The press release said Algeria had shown a constructive and diligent attitude in order to sign as quickly as possible the memorandum of understanding allowing the deployment of the mission. The MoU was signed by Commissioner for European Neighbourhood Policy Štefan Fule on March 20 in Algiers.

The Election Observation Mission will be led by Mr. Jose Ignacio Salafranca, MEP, and composed of the core team of the mission, as well as long-term and short-term observers who will successively be deployed in good time before the elections.

The observation mission will present its preliminary findings in Algiers the day after polling day. It will remain in Algiers to observe the counting of votes, any complaints procedures, and to prepare a comprehensive report including recommendations to strengthen future electoral processes.

The EU is particularly involved in supporting the strengthening of Algerian institutions, and considers democracy, respect for human rights and the holding of free and transparent elections as foundations of this process. (ENPI Info Centre)

Read more

Press release (FR only)

ENPI Info Centre – EU-Algeria: first ever election observation mission (22-03-12)

EU Election Observation Missions – website

EuropeAid – EU Election Observation Missions

ENPI Info Centre webpage – Algeria

EU Delegation – Algeria

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