Brussels, 05/12/2011 (Agence Europe) - The electoral observation mission for the EU in the Democratic Republic of Congo (EU-DRC EOM) is continuing to do its observation work in the local centres in which the results are being compiled (see EUROPE 10508) and has vigourously denied any allegations of interference made against it. The MEP Mariya Nedelcheva (EPP, Bulgaria), the chief observer, “formally denies the information circulating by text message, on websites and blogs stating that its observers are directly intervening in the compilation process. These allegations are false, untruthful and defamatory”, states a press release published by the EU-EOM in Kinshasa on 5 December.
The EU-EOM stresses that its remit is to present a precise, detailed and impartial assessment of the election process, with reference to the national and regional legal framework, international standards and treaties signed by DRC and its own principles of neutrality and independence. The presence of its observers should be taken as an additional guarantee of the transparency of the election process as a whole, it states. The mission will also observe the way disputes are handled and will make sure that the election office publishes the results on the website of the independent national election committee (CENI). (AN/transl.fl)