OSCE sets up Election Observation Mission (09/12/04)

OSCE sets up Election Observation Mission

KYIV - Following an invitation from the government of Ukraine, the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) has established an Election Observation Mission (EOM) to monitor the presidential election scheduled for October 31.

"This election is crucial for the democratic development of Ukraine," said Ambassador Geert Ahrens, the head of the mission. "All participants involved in the election, including the authorities, the political parties, the media and civil society, are responsible to ensure a democratic electoral process in which the voters can have confidence."

The Election Observation Mission will be one of the largest ever deployed in the OSCE region. It consists of 12 international experts based in Kyiv who will be joined by 45 long-term observers based in regional cities throughout Ukraine. So far, 14 OSCE participating states are represented in the mission. Shortly before election day the ODIHR will deploy some 600 short-term observers across Ukraine.

Observers will closely monitor the entire election process to assess compliance with OSCE commitments and other international standards for democratic elections, as well as national legislation. The mission will analyze the election campaign and media framework, the new legislative framework and its implementation, the work of the election administration and relevant government bodies, as well as the resolution of election-related disputes. The short-term observers will focus on monitoring voting, the counting of ballots and the tabulation of results at all levels.

On the day after the election, the mission will issue a statement of preliminary findings and conclusions. A comprehensive final report will be released approximately six weeks after the completion of the election process.

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