In response to an invitation by the Liberian authorities the European Union has deployed an Election Observation Mission (EU EOM) to observe the forthcoming elections.

Our mandate

On the invitation of the Liberian Government, the European Union has deployed an Election Observation Mission (EU EOM) to Liberia to observe the Presidential and House of Representatives elections scheduled for 10 October 2017.

The EU EOM will assess the general elections according to Liberia's national law and the international commitments it has made regarding elections.

The EU EOM does not interfere in any way in the electoral process. It provides an informed, comprehensive and impartial analysis of the entire electoral process in line with established EU methodology. The EU deployed an EOM to Liberia in 2005 and an Expert Mission for the 2011 elections.

The EU EOM operates in accordance with the Declaration of Principles for International Election Observation, adopted at the United Nations in 2005 by a number of international bodies involved in election observation.

Consistent methodology 

The EU EOM applies an established methodology for observing elections. EU EOMs do not offer advice and assistance or in any way interfere in the electoral process. The EU EOM does not legitimise the electoral process nor validate the election results. It has a mandate to observe, collect and analyse information concerning the election process and to ensure that all findings and conclusions are based on carefully verified factual information.

On election day, each team of EU observers visits a number of different polling stations. To ensure the consistency of election day observation, EU observer teams use standard reporting forms.

 The main objectives of election observation are to:

·         Make recommendations to help improve future electoral processes

·         Support the democratic process in partner countries

·         Strengthen respect for human rights and the rule of law

The methodology is based on long-term observation, through which the EU EOM’s experts analyse all aspects of the electoral process, including:

·         the legal framework and its implementation

·         the political context

·         the performance of the election administration

·         the role of state and other institutions

·         voter registration

·         campaign activities

·         the overall environment of the elections, including respect for fundamental freedoms, civil and political rights 

·         access to and conduct of the media

·         the role of civil society

·         the voting, counting and transmission of results

·         the complaints or appeals process

·         the announcement of the results

Observers throughout Liberia

A core team of election experts and specialists was deployed to Monrovia on 1^st September, to follow and analyse the election process.

On 10 September, the EU EOM will deploy 20 long-term observers (LTOs) to cover all the counties in Liberia. Shortly before election day, the mission will be reinforced by 34 short-term observers (STOs), who join to observe election day activities at the polling stations. LTOs and STOs may also be joined by diplomats from EU Member States resident in Liberia.

Independent assessment 

The EU EOM’s assessment of the electoral process is independent of any EU institution and member state. Its purpose is to offer a comprehensive and impartial assessment of the electoral process and its compliance with Liberia's national law and international commitments.

EU observers adhere to a Code of Conduct which obliges them to maintain strict impartiality and neutrality, and to abide by Liberian law.

Findings of the mission

A preliminary statement on the findings of the mission is issued shortly after election day. This statement, presented by the Chief Observer at a press conference in Monrovia, outlines the EU EOM’s initial assessment prior to the completion of the electoral process.

A comprehensive final report, with recommendations for improving future elections, will be published some two months later.

Update:

Follow all latest developments here and also on the mission´s Facebook "EU EOM Liberia 2017" and on Twitter @EUEOMLiberia.