European Union to observe elections in Paraguay on 21 April 2013
The European Union, in response to an invitation by the Paraguayan authorities, is deploying a mission to observe the General Elections of 21 April. The Chief Observer of the European Union Election Observation Mission (EU EOM), Ms Renate Weber MEP, arrived in Asunción.
Catherine Ashton, High Representative of the European Union for Foreign and Security Policy, made the following statement today:
“The forthcoming elections in Paraguay will be very important for the stability and the democratic development of the country and the normalisation of relations in the region. I am confident that all stakeholders will engage in the process in a peaceful and democratic way.
The EU is a longstanding partner of Paraguay and I have decided, upon an invitation from the Authorities, to deploy an EU Election Observation Mission. I am confident that under the leadership of MEP Renate Weber the EOM will strengthen confidence in the process and enhance the credibility of the future government. I wish Ms Weber and her team all success in their assessment of this electoral process.”
A core team of eight EU election analysts arrived in Asunción on 2 March. They will gradually be joined by 22 long-term observers and 52 short-term observers from 27 EU member states, as well as from Norway. The EU EOM will also be integrated by a delegation from the European Parliament. Altogether, about a hundred EU observers will be in the country for the forthcoming elections.
Shortly after Election Day, the mission will issue a preliminary statement of its initial findings at a press conference in Asunción. The mission will remain in Paraguay to observe the final counting of votes and any complaint procedures, and to prepare a full report including recommendations to improve the electoral process in future. Ms Weber will present the final report during a later visit to Paraguay
Source: European Union
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