EU mission to observe presidential election

The European Union announced on Monday the launch of its observation mission for Egypt's upcoming presidential election, following an invitation issued by the Egyptian government and the High Elections Commission (HEC).

This is the first time the EU has deployed an election observation mission (EOM) to Egypt, according to Mario David, Portugal’s representative in the European Parliament.

“We are here to observe the election and we will not interfere or supervise the process in any way. This is the election of the Egyptian people. We hope to contribute with our impartial and objective assessment of the election to the democratic transition of Egypt,” David said, as quoted in the EU’s official statement.

Some 150 observers hailing from from all 28 EU member states, as well as Canada and Norway, will take part in the mission.

On April 18, a core team of 10 analysts arrived in Cairo, followed by a second group of 30 long-term observers on April 25. For the actual polling days, scheduled to commence on May 26-27, 60 short-term observers will be deployed across the country together with a delegation of the European Parliament, the statement said.

A number of locally recruited short-term observers from diplomatic missions of EU member states in Egypt will also observe the election.

“The EU EOM will conduct a comprehensive analysis of the entire electoral process based on a long-term observation in line with domestic law, as well as regional and international standards,” the statement clarified.

This analysis will encompass the legal framework surrounding the election, the performance of the election administration, the candidates’ and political parties’ campaign activities, the respect of fundamental freedoms, media access and conduct, the voting process and vote counting, the complaints and appeals process and finally the announcement of the results.

The EU EOM plans to present its initial findings in a press conference two days after voting ends, but prior to the completion of the entire electoral process. A final report will be published at a later stage, and will include recommendations offered to the authorities for possible improvements of future elections.

The EU has signed a memorandum of understanding with the Egyptian government and the HEC that is meant to guarantee freedom of movement to all EU EOM members, as well as access to all polling stations, related sites and bodies, and all relevant information.