Chief Observer Davor Stier officially launches the EU EOM in Bolivia 2025

In response to an invitation from the Bolivian authorities, the European Union (EU) has deployed an Election Observation Mission (EOM) to the country to observe the upcoming general elections scheduled for August 17.

The EOM is led by Member of the European Parliament Davor Stier, who arrived in Bolivia on July 16 to officially launch the Mission. The Chief Observer has held meetings with various political organizations, alliances and candidates, civil society representatives, national observers, media professionals, political analysts, and the Supreme Electoral Tribunal. Mr. Stier expressed confidence that the presence of the EU EOM in Bolivia “will make a positive contribution to the electoral process and help foster the stability and confidence necessary for the elections to take place in a peaceful and normal manner”.

The deployment of this Mission reflects the EU’s commitment to supporting democratic consolidation in Bolivia, following previous election missions in 2006, 2009, 2014, 2019, and 2020.

The EU EOM is composed of a Core Team of 11 election experts based in La Paz. In the coming days they will be joined by 32 Long-Term Observers (LTO) deployed across the country. Shortly before Election day, an additional 50 Short-Term Observers will arrive. A delegation from the European Parliament, composed of representatives from various political groups, will also join the EU EOM. In addition, observers from EU Member States already present in Bolivia will contribute to the Mission.

EU international observers will be deployed in all nine departments of the country, where they will engage with local stakeholders and electoral actors. They will meet with political parties and candidates, the Departmental Electoral Tribunals, media outlets, and civil society organizations, providing the Core Team with updates on the electoral campaign and logistical preparations leading up to Election day.

Two days after the election, the EU EOM will issue a preliminary statement with its initial findings during a press conference. The Mission will remain in the country to observe the post-electoral period, including any potential electoral complaints or appeals that may arise.

The EU conducts its election observation missions in accordance with the Declaration of Principles for International Election Observation, adopted at the United Nations in 2005. These missions follow a rigorous and well-established methodology. Since 2000, the EU has deployed more than 200 election missions in 75 countries. The EU EOM operates in an independent and impartial manner. All EU observers adhere to a strict code of conduct and ethical guidelines to ensure neutrality, objectivity, and non-interference in the electoral process.

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Link to the Declaration of Principles for International Election Observation and the Code of Conduct.