EU commits to impartial assessment of electoral process

Harare (New Ziana)-The European Union (EU) Election Observer Mission (EOM) on Saturday reiterated its commitment to make an independent and impartial assessment of the electoral process leading up to and after the harmonised polls to be held in Zimbabwe on August 23.

In a statement, EU EOM chief observer to Zimbabwe Fabio Massimo Castaldo said the country can count on the mission to work undeterred and professionally. “These are the elections of the Zimbabwean people. Zimbabwe and it’s people can count on our commitment to work undeterred and professionally as promised.

“Our mandate is to assess all aspects of the electoral process and to analyze the extent to which the elections comply with international and regional standards for elections, as well as with Zimbabwean law,” he said. Castaldo added that the EU EOM does not impose the electoral standards as they are part of Zimbabwe’s commitment to democratic processes.

“We are independent in our work. The EU EOM sees the deployment of the mission in spirit of partnership in achieving common goals. The EU is committed to accompanying the Zimbabwean people throughout the process,” he said.

The mission is expected to comprise more than 150 observers from all 27 EU member states, as well as Canada, Norway and Switzerland.

An 11-person core team arrived in Harare on the 8th of July while long-term observers arrived on the 22nd and will be deployed in all provinces.

The mission is also joined by a delegation of seven members of the European Parliament, and diplomatic staff from embassies accredited in Harare.

The EU EOM will present a preliminary statement to the Zimbabwean authorities two days after the election before submitting a final report with recommendations at least two months later.

New Ziana