PRELIMINARY STATEMENT: A return to the electoral arena by most political forces with improved electoral conditions though structural shortcomings remain

This preliminary statement of the EU election observation mission (EU EOM) is delivered before the completion of the entire electoral process. Critical stages remain, including adjudication of petitions and nomination of elected officials. The EU EOM is now only in a position to comment on observation undertaken to date, and will later publish a final report, including full analysis and recommendations for electoral reform.