By Shaffie A Mtambo
The European Union (EU) has announced plans to send an Election Observer Mission (EOM) to Malawi to assess the country’s forthcoming September 16 elections.
EU Ambassador to Malawi, Rune Skinneback, made the announcement during a media breakfast event in Lilongwe on Tuesday.
Speaking to journalists, Skinneback said the EOM team, pending approval for deployment, will focus on evaluating the inclusiveness, transparency, and credibility of the electoral process.
“Let me be clear, the EU EOM will not validate the results of the election nor will it judge whether they were free or fair,” Skinneback emphasized.
The EU ambassador noted that EOMs have refrained from using terms like “free” or “fair” since 2011, instead focusing on observing and reporting on the electoral process.
Skinneback also called for reforms in various sectors, including tourism and mining, to attract more investment into the country.
The EU’s commitment to supporting Malawi’s development was highlighted by Skinneback, who stated that the EU strives to remain Malawi’s reliable partner for the country’s transformation.
The media event was part of the EU’s commemoration of Europe Day on May 9.
