EU EOM To Ensure Election Follows Democratic Principles

A spokesperson for the European Union (EU) Election Observation Mission (EOM), yesterday, has highlighted the role international observers play in safeguarding the electoral process and promoting fairness and transparency. 

Anne Marlbaro, Deputy Chief Observer of the EU Election Observation Team, discussed the mission’s examination of key aspects of the election process, including voter list compilation, re-registration procedures, and campaign activities. 

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The Mission’s primary objective is to ensure that the 2023 presidential election in the Maldives adheres to democratic principles.

Anne emphasised the EU delegation’s particular focus on assessing the practices of media outlets concerning the allocation of time and coverage to political parties and candidates involved in the election. 

She revealed the EU’s intention to publish a preliminary report shortly after the polls, evaluating the coverage provided by print media, social media, and broadcasting channels to all political stakeholders. 

Highlighting the importance of international observers, Anne described their role as a catalyst for conducting a fair and transparent election. 

Anne also emphasised that EU team members maintain a strict stance of impartiality, with no vested interests in the outcome of the Maldivian presidential election, ensuring their fairness and neutrality.

The Election Observation Mission (EOM) is currently on a mission to observe the upcoming presidential election, with the aim of ensuring that the electoral process aligns with international, regional, and Maldivian democratic principles and laws. 

EOM members will be actively present in various regions of the Maldives on polling day.

A total of 165 international monitors and observers will be deployed during Saturday’s presidential election, comprising 143 observers and 22 monitors.