Brussels, 29/07/2013 (Agence Europe) - Despite organisational problems, the presidential election of 28 July in Mali passed off peacefully, according to the international observers. The European Union has sent its congratulations, pending the results of the first round of this election.
High Representative of the EU for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Catherine Ashton immediately issued a press release in which she hailed the way the election was held and the high turnout at this first round of election, which constitute a major step in the process of a full return to constitutional order throughout the territory of Mali.
“The High Representative welcomes the fact that the voting operations of the first round of the presidential elections in Mali took place in peace and serenity on 28 July. She notes that, according to the first information released by the authorities of Mali and international observers across the country, the Malian voters turned out in high numbers to ensure the success of these elections”, stressed Ashton's spokesperson on Sunday evening, with the count still underway.
The spokesperson added: “A high number of candidates took part in the election campaigns with the declared aim of continuing to promote Mali's return to unity, dialogue and national reconciliation. Despite the difficult conditions, the Mali authorities showed determination to guarantee the transparency and credibility of the elections. The High Representative encourages them to continue their efforts in transparency, with the count still going on. She also encourages all parties throughout the whole of the country to continue to take an active part in the electoral process and beyond in a peaceful and constructive way”.
The MEP Louis Michel (ADLE, Belgium), who is heading up the EU election observation mission (EOM) still underway, travelled on Sunday to the city of Kidal, the cradle of the Touaregs and their rebellion, in order to observe the elections. EU observers were also deployed in the polling stations for the Malian refugees in Burkina Faso and Mauritania. The EOM will present its preliminary conclusions in Bamako on Tuesday 30 July. (AN/transl.fl)