EU Election Observation Mission to São Tomé e Príncipe officially launched and 10 observers deployed throughout the country
In response to an invitation by the Santomean authorities, the European Union has deployed an Election Observation Mission (EU EOM) to observe the legislative, local and regional elections of 25 September 2022. The EU EOM is led by Chief Observer Maria Manuel Leitão Marques, a Member of the European Parliament.
“I thank the Santomean authorities for inviting us to observe this important election” said Chief Observer Maria Manuel Leitão Marques at a press conference in São Tomé. “It is the first time that the EU deploys an Election Observation Mission to São Tomé e Príncipe and this is a testimony of the importance EU attaches to the Santomean democracy. We will neither interfere in the electoral process in any way, nor seek to legitimize the results. This is the election of the Santomean people. We hope to contribute with our impartial and objective assessment to future improvements” the Chief Observer added.
The EU EOM arrived on 25 August in São Tomé with a Core Team of eight analysts. A second group of 10 long-term observers joined the EU EOM on 4 September and was deployed today across the country. Additionally, 18 short-term observers will join the EU EOM before Election Day together with a delegation of EU parliamentarians. Locally recruited short- term observers from diplomatic representations of EU Member States in the region will also take part in the observation. On Election Day, the EU EOM will comprise more than 45 observers from EU Member States and Norway.
The Mission will conduct a comprehensive analysis of the electoral process based on a long-term observation, in line with domestic laws as well as regional and international norms. This analysis includes aspects such as the legal framework, the performance of the election administration, the campaign, the respect of fundamental freedoms, the conduct of the media, the voting and counting, the complaints and appeals process and the announcement of the results.
The EU EOM will publish its initial findings in a Preliminary Statement, which will be presented in a press conference two days after Election Day. A Final Report will be published within two months of the completion of the electoral process and will include recommendations - offered for consideration to the authorities - for possible future improvements of the electoral framework.
The European Union has signed an Administrative Arrangement with the National Election Commission and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs which guarantees freedom of movement to all EU EOM observers and access to all polling stations and relevant information.
The Mission is independent from any EU institution or Member State. It is committed to remain neutral and abide by the Declaration of Principles for International Election Observation, the Code of Conduct for international observers and the Santomean laws.