Brussels, 19/01/2011 (Agence Europe) - The European Union is to observe the presidential and legislative elections in Niger, scheduled to take place on 31 January 2011. An election observation team, led by MEP Santiago Fisas Ayxela (EPP, Spain), is currently being deployed. The first team of experts, which will be responsible for coordinating the work of the 38 observers, arrived in the country on 5 January. The Long-Term Observers (LTOs) joined them on 17 January to assess pre-election preparations and the electoral campaign. Short-Term Observers will boost the mission just before the vote.
“The forthcoming elections are an essential step in the transitional process towards democracy in Niger. The EU has been strongly committed to facilitate Niger's return to democracy since 2009”, said EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Catherine Ashton. She pointed out that EU observers were not there “to validate candidacies and results but to assess the election process against international standards for genuine and democratic elections”. Referring to the recent kidnapping and murder of two young French nationals by Al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb, Ashton added: “I have no doubt that the electoral environment will be conducive to peaceful elections and will not be hampered by recent dramatic events, and that Nigerien voters will be able to express themselves in a serene atmosphere. I also believe that the presence of observers can contribute to building confidence in these elections”.
The EU election observation team will be one of the largest in Niger. The EU has allocated some €20 million to help with the organisation of the elections. (A.N./transl.rt)