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EU deploys Election Observation Mission to Tunisia

02.08.2019
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EU deploys Election Observation Mission to Tunisia

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Following an invitation from the Independent High Authority for Elections (ISIE), the European Union is to deploy an Election Observation Mission (EOM) for the presidential elections on 15 September and the parliamentary elections on 6 October 2019 in Tunisia. This decision is in line with the EU’s policy of supporting the consolidation of democracy in Tunisia since 2011.

Federica Mogherini, High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice-President of the Commission, has appointed Fabio Massimo Castaldo, Member of the European Parliament, as Chief Observer.

‘This year’s presidential and parliamentary elections are another important step in the process of democratic consolidation in Tunisia. Tunisia is a privileged partner of the EU and accompanying it on this path is an important priority for us, as demonstrated by the sending of Election Observation Missions in 2011, 2014 and 2018. This new Election Observation Mission led by Mr Fabio Massimo Castaldo, who is very familiar with the Tunisian context having led the mission in 2018, confirms the EU’s unwavering commitment to democracy in Tunisia,’ said the High Representative.

Mr Fabio Massimo Castaldo added: ‘I am both honoured and very pleased once again to lead an EU Election Observation Mission at this important moment in Tunisia’s history. This new invitation to observe shows the trust that prevails in bilateral relations between the EU and Tunisia and the decision to deploy a mission demonstrates the EU’s commitment to supporting Tunisia on the important path of democratic consolidation.’

A core team of ten election analysts will be based in Tunis from 23 August 2019. On 2 September the team will be joined by 28 long-term observers who will be deployed throughout the country, and 28 short-term observers will strengthen operations on the election days. The EU EOM will maintain close communication with all the other international and national election observation missions.

The EU EOM operates with complete independence and neutrality. Its observers are obliged to abide by a code of conduct which satisfies international election observation standards and the ISIE Code of Conduct for domestic and foreign observers. The mandate of the EOM is to observe and analyse the entire electoral process in order to carry out an impartial, neutral and objective assessment. This analysis is based on the national and international standards and undertakings in the field of democratic elections which have been endorsed by Tunisia. Once the poll closes, the EU EOM will publicly present a preliminary statement setting out its preliminary conclusions on the electoral process. A comprehensive analytical report will be published later. That report will include recommendations with a view to the forthcoming elections.

Category
Press releases
Location

Bruxelles

Topics
European Neighbourhood Policy (ENP)
Human Rights & Democracy
European Neighbourhood Policy (ENP)
Editorial sections
Middle East & North Africa (MENA)
Tunisia
EEAS
European Neighbourhood Policy (ENP)
Human Rights & Democracy