EU representatives visited Senegal to observe the presidential elections to be held on 25 February, Europa.EU reports.
The mission is led by Member of the European Parliament Malin Björk, who has been in the country since last Monday. Malin Björk during a press conference in Dakar said:
This mission will be impartial, independent and will not interfere in the electoral process.
The Chief Observer emphasised the principles that guide European election observers:
These elections belong to the Senegalese people. We want to contribute, through our objective evaluation, to a democratic electoral process in which all voices can be heard, and the choices of Senegalese voters respected.
During her visit, the Chief Observer, Malin Björk, will meet with the electoral administration, candidates, media and civil society. She underlined:
The mission listens very carefully to all the interlocutors, in order to know their assessment of the electoral process, the political and legal context, as well as respect for fundamental freedoms, including the freedom to stand as a candidate and to campaign freely. We will listen to their concerns and their expectations for an election that will mark the future of Senegal. Furthermore, the mission wishes to meet all the candidates for the presidential election, wherever they are and whatever their current situation.
The EU EOM (Election Observation mission) is present in Senegal at the invitation of the Senegalese government, but operates completely independently. All observers must strictly abide by Senegalese law, as well as a code of conduct that guarantees their non-interference and impartiality.
A senior team of 10 election experts arrived in Senegal in mid-January. A team of 32 long-term observers who will be deployed to all regions of the country next Friday joined them.
A few days before the elections, 64 short-term observers will join the mission, as well as a delegation of Members of the European Parliament and some twenty diplomats based in Dakar. In total, the EU EOM will have more than 130 observers from 27 EU Member States, Switzerland, Norway and Canada.
The EU EOM will publish its first findings in a preliminary statement to be presented at a press conference two days after the vote on 25 February. The mission will remain in the country until the end of the electoral process, including in the event of a possible second round.
