Brussels, 19/09/2014 (Agence Europe) - MEP Annemie Neyts-Uyttebroek (ALDE, Belgium) has been appointed Chief Observer of the EU election observation mission for the two elections in Tunisia later this year (general elections on 26 October and presidential elections on 23 November). She was appointed by EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Catherine Ashton, who issued a press release announcing the appointment.
“The EU has received an invitation by the Tunisian authorities”, said Neyts. “The EU deployed an Election Observation Mission to Tunisia in 2011 and has been invited again to observe the upcoming elections in Tunisia. We are here to observe the elections and we will not interfere in the process in any way. I trust that this EU Observation Mission will be able to provide an important contribution to enhancing the inclusiveness and transparency of the election process in Tunisia. The mission complements the overall support of the EU to Tunisia in order to successfully advance its democratic transition.”
A financing agreement was signed on 2 September with the higher independent election body. The agreement also lays down how the EU's election observation mission will be set up and its rights and duties during its work in Tunisia. Financial support has been granted (but no details have been announced) for the holding of the two elections. A team of eight experts have been in Tunis since 17 September and a second team of 28 long-term observers will join them. A further 28 observers will arrive shortly before the election days. (FB)