Brussels, 24/10/2011 (Agence Europe) - The European Union will, at the invitation of the country's authorities, send an observation team to Nicaragua to monitor the presidential, parliamentary and Central American Parliament (Parlacen) elections. Over 80 observers, led by MEP Luis Yanez-Barnuevo Garcia (S&D, Spain) will monitor and evaluate the whole process from preparations, through the campaign, voting, the count and the results to the post-electoral period. The first group of 10 experts arrived in Nicaragua on 12 October. During the elections, a delegation of seven MEPs will also be present. “I am convinced that the presence of observers, national and international, throughout the country covering the whole electoral process, will contribute to enhancing transparency and public confidence in the electoral processes in Nicaragua”, said EU High Representative Catherine Ashton. (CG/transl.rt)