A European Union Election Observation Mission is scheduled to arrive in Guyana today to begin observing the preparations in the lead-up to the General and Regional Elections slated for March 2, 2020.
Chief Observer Urmas Paet
This was announced in a press statement on Thursday by the Delegation of the European Union to Guyana.
Member of the European Parliament, Urmas Paet has been appointed as Chief Observer of the Mission.
He was appointed by Josep Borrell, High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice President of the European Commission.
In the press statement, Borrell is quoted as saying “The European Union values its partnership with Guyana. The deployment of this Election Observation Mission confirms our commitment to support Guyana’s democratic processes. I am confident that the mission will contribute to ensure that the election is inclusive, credible and transparent. All citizens of the country have their say in Guyana’s future.”
Moreover, the Chief Observer underscored the importance of the EU observing these elections in Guyana.
“I believe it is crucial for the European Union to accompany these elections in Guyana.
“I am confident that our observation mission will provide an important contribution as we wish to support transparent and inclusive elections and strengthen the institutions in Guyana. I would also like to encourage the people of Guyana to exercise their democratic right to vote,” he noted.
The Election Observation Mission core team of eight EU election analysts will arrive in Georgetown today and will stay in the country until the completion of the electoral process.
European Commission Vice President Josep Borrell
In February, the core team will be joined by 14 long-term observers who will be deployed across the country, and later on for the election week by an additional 20 short-term observers.
Shortly after the Election Day on March 2, the mission will issue a preliminary statement and hold a press conference in Georgetown.
A final report, including recommendations for future electoral processes, will be presented at a later stage, after the finalisation of the electoral process.
Already, the Carter Center election observer mission is in Guyana and the team will be joined by high-level leadership closer to Election Day.
The Carter Center said it would also follow the post-election process, including the tabulation of results and resolution of any legal disputes.
Other international organisations as well as local entities are expected to deploy missions to observe this year’s elections.
