EU fielding 55 observers for polling day

The European Union Delegation Election Observation Mission (EU EOM) yesterday deployed 20 short-term observers to complement its long-term observers in monitoring polling activities across the country.

“In total the EU EOM will comprise on election day 55 observers from 25 member states and Norway,” a press release sent by the EU EOM stated.

Apart from the 20 short-term observers who were deployed to join the 14 long-term observers yesterday, there are eight diplomats from EU member states accredited to Guyana, ten core team members and three observers from Brussels.

The long-term observers have been observing electoral preparations and campaign activities across the country since February 4, while the short-term observers will be observing electoral processes on March 2nd. The short-term observers reportedly received “a three-day indepth briefing” on all aspects of the electoral process in Guyana.

“The EU EOM observers will be visiting polling stations to observe and take note of how the voting is conducted, assessing issues such as respect of the right to vote, secrecy of the vote, performance of polling staff, the role of party agents and domestic observers and women’s participation. During the counting, observers will assess the transparency, accuracy and integrity of the process. They will also observe tabulation of results by returning officers in all 10 regions until the announcement of the results,” the release stated.

On March 4, the EU EOM will issue a preliminary statement of its initial findings at a press conference, which will be held at the Marriott Hotel. “A more comprehensive final report, including recommendations for future elections, will be presented approximately two to three months later. The mission is independent in its findings and conclusions and EU observers adhere to a strict code of conduct for international observers that require they maintain strict neutrality and impartiality in the course of their work and do not interfere in the electoral process,” the release added.