EU Election Observation Mission deploys 18 short-term observers

The European Union Election Observation Mission (EU EOM) to São Tomé e Príncipe deployed today 18 short-term observers throughout the country. The group is the third mission's contingent, following a core team of eight electoral experts that arrived in São Tomé on 25 August, and 10 long-term observers, who have been in São Tomé e Príncipe since 5 of September.

"The short-term observers will enable our coverage on the e-day of almost all the polling centers in São Tomé e Príncipe. Together with the other EU EOM observers they will observe in the capital, in rural areas as well as in the most remote communities. They will be the eyes and the ears of the mission during voting, counting and tabulation of results" said Chief Observer Maria Manuel Leitão Marques, member of the European Parliament.

Prior to their deployment, the short-term observers received an in-depth two-day briefing in São Tomé on the legal framework, electoral background, voting preparations and procedures, the political environment and the media landscape.

The short-term observers will be supplemented by a small group of observers drawn from diplomats of the EU accredited to São Tomé e Príncipe. In total, on election day, the EU EOM will comprise more than 40 Observers from the EU as well as Norway.

"On 25 September our observers will be visiting several polling stations from the opening to the closing of the polls. They will not interfere in the process. They are there to watch and take note of how the voting is conducted, assessing issues such as respect of the right to vote, secrecy of the vote, performance of polling staff members, accessibility for disable voters and women's participation. Observers will also assess the transparency, accuracy and integrity of the counting" the Chief Observer said.

The EU EOM's overall analysis will also include aspects such as the legal framework and its application, the work of the election administration, the campaign activities of candidates and political parties, the extent to which there is a level playing field, the conduct of the media and the resolution of election-related disputes.

The EU EOM will issue a preliminary statement two days after the elections, on 27 September. A final report - with comprehensive recommendations for future elections - will be published about two months after the elections and will be presented by the EU EOM to national authorities, political parties and media in São Tomé.