By Taisiah K. Merfee
The Chief Observer of the EU Elections Observation Mission has highlighted October 10th, 2023’s importance to Liberia’s democratic consolidation and peace.
Speaking at a news conference Friday, September 15, at the Royal Grand Hotel, Mr. Andreas Schieder, who is heading the EUOM said, “The General Elections scheduled for 10 October 2023 represent a significant test for the democratic consolidation in Liberia.”
Schieder, who himself is a parliamentarian in his native Austria, expressed how important it is for the European Union to accompany Liberians in this democratic process. He expressed his trust that state authorities, political parties and all candidates will play their part in promoting a credible, peaceful, transparent and inclusive electoral process.
He said the EU Election Observation Mission (EU EOM) to Liberia was deployed at the invitation of the Liberian authorities and arrived in Monrovia on 27 August with a team of 10 analysts.
According to him the Mission observes and assesses the general elections in accordance with the election laws, commitments and obligations for democratic elections deriving from international and regional standards, as well as good practices for democratic elections.
“We have already deployed since last week 20 long-term observers all over Liberia. The Mission observes and analyses the whole electoral process including the legal framework, electoral administration, voters and candidates registration, the campaign environment including in the media and social media, voting, counting and tabulation of the results, as well as the complaints and appeals process,” said EU EOM Chief Observer Schieder.
He disclosed that the EU Mission is going to stay in Liberia until the completion of the electoral process even there is a runoff, which usually happens in November following the announcement of the results from the October polls.
Schieder is leading the EU Mission as the Chief Observer and already met different stakeholders including the National Elections Commission, Ministers of Justice, and State for Presidential Affairs. In addition to meeting with Associate Justices of the Supreme Court of Liberia, has also met with candidates in the presidential race as well as the representatives of civil society and the media.
“After several meetings in Monrovia this week, I can see the state of preparations of the institution in charge of elections as well as the candidates and political parties.
“Our long-term observers have been deployed in all 15 counties. They have already met various stakeholders and are preparing and sending comprehensive evidence-based reports from their areas of observations.”
The EOM head of delegation added that in the week of the elections, additional 40 short-term observers will reinforce the EU EOM and the total observers will come up to 100 observers on the ground, including Members of the European Parliament and EU diplomats accredited in Liberia, from EU Member States, as well as from Canada and Norway.
Schieder disclosed that the Mission will issue its initial findings in a preliminary statement, which will be presented in a press conference two days after the Election Day. “A Final Report with recommendations for improvement will be presented at later stage.”
According a release from the EU EOM, the Mission undertakes its work in accordance with the Declaration of Principles for International Election Observation.
Schieder was joined at the press conference by Mr. Jarek M. Domański, who is his Deputy Chief Observer and René Schulthoff, Press Officer.
