Introduction

The European Commission has deployed an EU Election Observation Mission (EOM) for the Presidential and Provincial Council Elections, scheduled to take place on August 20, 2009. The mission is led by Philippe Morillon, Member of the European Parliament.

The EOM marks a further contribution by the European Commission to supporting peace and democratization in Afghanistan. During the 2004 Presidential Election the European Commission deployed a Democracy and Election Support Mission (DESM), and in 2005 an EU Election observation mission was deployed to observe the Presidential and Provincial Elections. Benita Ferrero-Waldner, Commissioner for External Relations and European Neighborhood Policy, said: "This EOM is yet another clear signal of EU support to Afghanistan in its path towards stability and democracy.”

The mission’s mandate is to conduct a comprehensive assessment of the electoral process and to observe the extent to which the election complies with international standards for elections, as well as domestic law. The EU EOM is independent from the European Commission Delegation to Afghanistan and EU member states. The mission is neutral and independent in its findings.

“The upcoming elections are an important milestone for the very young democratic structures in Afghanistan, since they will be led by the Afghan themselves for the first time,” said Benita Ferrero-Waldner. “At the same time, they are a great challenge due to the current political and security situation in the country. This EOM will operate in one of the most difficult electoral, security and logistical contexts ever. I am convinced that under the leadership of Mr. Morillon, this EOM will successfully achieve its mandate".

67 analysts and observers are assessing all aspects of the environment in which the election is conducted. These areas include the legal framework for elections, the political context, the election administration, registration of voters and candidates, the human rights situation, the role of civil society and the media, as well as the election campaign itself, voting, counting, results and the post-election environment. 50 short term observers will observe procedures in polling centres on election day itself, across most of Afghanistan’s 34 provinces. The Mission will also assess the complaints and appeals process.

The Chief Observer will present a statement of preliminary findings shortly after the close of the polls and a final report will be issued approximately two months later. This report will provide a detailed analysis of the electoral process and will include recommendations for future electoral processes.