14/07/2014 (Agence Europe) - EU hails conduct of elections. On Friday 11 July, the EU congratulated the people of Indonesia on “the successful presidential election” of 9 July. “Voting proceeded smoothly in a peaceful environment throughout the country amid high voter turnout”, said the spokesperson for High Representative of the EU for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Catherine Ashton. “We are encouraged by the democratic process in the world's third largest democracy. We look forward to the completion of election procedures and trust the outcome will reflect the choices made by the Indonesian people”, Ashton's spokesperson added. Nevertheless, the fear of fraud is growing and the two candidates have both declared themselves the winners. The results will only become known on 22 July. Ashton's spokesperson reiterated that Indonesia is a close partner of the EU, with which the EU shares core values “including democracy and respect for human rights”. (CG)