The European Union Election Observation Mission (EU EOM) on Tuesday reiterated its pledge to impartially observe Zimbabwe’s general elections set for Aug. 23.
The deployment of the mission, the EU said, is a strong sign of Zimbabwe’s and the EU’s commitment to supporting genuine and transparent elections.
« We are here to achieve common goals with the people and the institutions of Zimbabwe. We will observe and analyze elections, and our tested methodology ensures that there won’t be any interference in the process by our side, » EU EOM chief observer Fabio Massimo Castaldo said in a statement.
The EU added that the observer mission has started its work, following the arrival in Zimbabwe of 11 analysts on July 8.
The analysts will be joined by 46 long-term observers and 44 short-term observers. On the election day, the EU EOM is expected to comprise over 150 observers from EU member states as well as Canada, Norway and Switzerland, the regional bloc said.
« The EU EOM’s mandate is to conduct an independent, impartial and comprehensive analysis of the entire election process, before, on and after the election day, » it said.
The mission is among a host of countries, regional and international organizations that have been invited by the Zimbabwean government to observe the elections.
