EU deploys election observation team to Myanmar

Thirty long-term observers will arrive on October 7. Sixty-two short-term observers, a delegation with seven members from the European Parliament, and diplomats of member states will reinforce the mission for the election day. The mission comprises all 28 EU member states as well as Norway and Switzerland.

”The presence shows the European Union’s commitment to the conduct of inclusive, transparent and credible elections in Myanmar. We don’t just focus on the election days, but on all aspects of the electoral process, including the resolution of any election related disputes after voting is finished” said  Alexander Graf Lambsdorff, vice president of the European Parliament from Germany who leads the mission. 

EU has received an invitation from the Union Election Commission to observe the election, to assure international community of the free and fair election. 

The team will conduct a comprehensive analysis of the entire electoral process. This will include assessing the legal framework, the performance of the election administration, voter registration, candidates' nomination, campaign activities, respect for fundamental freedoms, access to and conduct of the media, voting and the counting, the announcement and acceptance of results, and after the polls. The initial findings will be published and presented in press conferences two days after the electiondate. A final report will be published later, which will include recommendations for improvements for future elections.