Brussels, 26/11/2013 (Agence Europe) - EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Catherine Ashton hailed, on Monday, the smooth way in which the first round of the legislative elections had unfolded in Mali on 24 November. She calls for a democratic electoral process to be continued for the second round scheduled 15 December.
“With the holding of these legislative elections that will contribute towards setting up a new National Assembly, Mali prepares to cross a very important new stage in its process for returning to constitutional order, peace and stability. The European Union accompanies Mali and all Malians in this phase which is crucial for the future of their nation. I call upon the Malian government to pursue its efforts to ensure the second round of the elections is held in serenity and transparency”, Ashton said. She “also calls on all candidates and all parties present to agree to the verdict of the ballot or to resort to legal means to contest the results if they consider it appropriate, in line with the law of the Republic of Mali” (our translation throughout).
The European Union electoral observation mission (MOE-UE/EOM-EU), headed by MEP Louis Michel, noted that the election campaign and the voting had unfolded in accordance with the provisions of the law in Mali.
In its preliminary declaration, the mission hailed the peaceful way in which the voting had taken place despite the low turnout and a few minor incidents dotted here and there in the north of the country. The EOM-EU will remain present until the end of the electoral process. (AN/transl.jl)