Harare: The EU Delegation has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Zimbabwean Ministry of Foreign Affairs for the deployment of an Election Observation Mission (EOM) for the upcoming harmonised elections.
This follows an invitation by the Zimbabwe government to the EU to deploy an Election Observation Mission for the upcoming elections.
“The EU welcomes the commitment of the government to peaceful, peaceful, credible, inclusive, and transparent elections. It is vitally important that an electoral environment is created conducive to freedom of expression, freedom of the media and freedom of assembly,” said EU Ambassador Philippe van Damme, Head of the EU Delegation to Zimbabwe, after the signing ceremony.
The MOU outlines the rights and obligations of the EU Election Observation Mission. EU election observers maintain strict impartiality, objectivity and independence in the conduct of their mandate.
They are bound by the Code of Conduct for EU Election Observers and also adhere to the Code of Conduct for International Election Observers and will act in accordance with the Constitution and laws in force in Zimbabwe.
In addition to observing the run up to the elections and Election Day itself, the EOM will also monitor electoral complaints that may be lodged after the elections.
The EU observers will be deployed nationwide.
The long-term presence of the Observation Mission will allow it to make an impartial and comprehensive assessment of the electoral process and environment, as well as of the conduct of the elections themselves.
In their work, the EU EOM will liaise closely with all key stakeholders, as well as with other international observation missions and domestic observers.
