Africa-Press – Mozambique. The European Union Observation Mission (EU EOM) to the general elections in Mozambique announced on Thursday that its final report concluded that “several irregularities and discrepancies” affected the “integrity of the electoral process and results.”
The position was conveyed to journalists by the head of mission, Laura Ballarín this morning in Maputo, after handing over the conclusions of the Final Report of the EU Election Observation Mission to the head of state, Daniel Chapo, with the conclusions of two months of observation of the process.
“The report’s conclusions point to various irregularities and discrepancies that affect the integrity of the electoral process and results in the country,” said Laura Ballarín, while emphasising that “in no country in the world” do these European Union observation missions “validate or invalidate the electoral results”.
“However, the report also includes 18 recommendations aimed at strengthening and improving future electoral processes, in line with Mozambique’s international commitments on democratic elections,” the head of mission added, saying that the document would be made publicly available in the next few hours.
In the same statements to journalists at the Presidency of the Republic, Laura Ballarín highlighted “the process of political dialogue between all parties that is taking place”—led by the new president, Daniel Chapo, who was sworn in on 15 January—after months of post-election demonstrations and protests against the electoral process, arguing that it “must be inclusive”.
“We are also aware that, in public statements, the president has indicated the need for a future electoral reform, which he sees as fundamental. I asked him about this, and he confirmed his intention to carry it out,” she emphasised.
In this sense, “I want to reiterate that this report can serve as a basis and a support instrument that will allow Mozambicans to regain confidence in public institutions,” she said.
This electoral observation mission was one of the EU’s largest. It involved more than 150 people throughout the country, particularly on polling day, 9 October. Laura Ballarín stressed the European Union’s and the delegation in Mozambique’s willingness to “support the efforts of this electoral reform with technical assistance”.
“To move from words to deeds, it is necessary to define a roadmap with measures to strengthen democratic institutions in Mozambique. We believe the EU can effectively play a key role in this endeavour,” she said.
She also said that in the coming days, she planned to meet “with different political forces and the presidential candidates”, including Venâncio Mondlane – who does not recognise the election results, claiming victory – “in addition to the authorities and representatives of civil society”.
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