EU stuurt waarnemers naar verkiezingen Oeganda (en)
The European Union is deploying an Election Observation Mission (EOM) for the general elections in Uganda, scheduled to take place on 18 February 2011. Led by Edward Scicluna, Member of the European Parliament, the 110 EU observers will assess pre-election preparations and campaigning across the country, voting, counting and tabulation of the results on Election Day, as well as the post-election period.
Catherine Ashton, EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, said: “The forthcoming elections are important, not only for Uganda but also for the region. They are only the second multi-party elections to have taken place in Uganda since the National Resistance Movement came to power in 1986. The EU values the very good relations it has with Uganda. We have longstanding cooperation in the area of development and a mature political dialogue which allows both sides to raise issues of concern whenever necessary. The invitation which we have received to observe the elections in Uganda indicates the Ugandan government’s desire to ensure that the elections meet international standards.
I strongly hope that the Ugandan people will be able to express themselves freely in these elections. Their continued ability to enjoy the freedoms of assembly and expression - in particular through the media - are crucial for a democratic process. I am delighted that Edward Scicluna has agreed to take on the role of Chief Observer for an EU EOM for the first time. Mr Scicluna will bring to the role his excellent technical experience in election administration, having been an Electoral Commissioner in Malta for many years, as well as his more recent experience as a member of European Parliament election observation delegations in Tanzania and Sudan ".
Initial core team of experts arrived in the country in mid-January. This team is now being joined by a first wave of long term observers. The remaining contingent of short-term observers will be deployed to Uganda about one week before the election. Mr Scicluna will make his first visit to Kampala shortly. In addition, the mission will be reinforced by an election observation delegation of Members of the European Parliament for the election period.
The EU EOM will present its initial conclusions in Kampala a few days after the close of polls. The mission will remain in Uganda to prepare a comprehensive report, including recommendations for improvement to the electoral process, based on a thorough assessment of the entire election process.
The EU EOM will be the largest international observer group in Uganda for these elections.
The EU has a long standing programme of cooperation with Uganda. Under the Cotonou i Agreement the EU has agreed to reserve for Uganda the substantial sum of € 439 million for the years 2008-2013. In addition, Uganda is also an important regional partner for the EU. The country has contributed troops to AMISOM, which play an indispensable role in stabilising Somalia. Uganda also hosts the EU training mission for the Somali security forces, the EUTM.
For additional information, see also:
http://www.eueom.eu/uganda2011/
http://ec.europa.eu/external_relations/human_rights/election_observation/index_en.htm