EN Official Journal of the European Union CE 78/300

(2004/C 78 E/0302)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-3588/03

by José Ribeiro e Castro (UEN) to the Commission

(5 December 2003)

Subject: Mozambique — elections

On 19 November 2003, local elections took place in Mozambique.

Arão Litsure, the chairman of the National Election Committee, claims that the elections took place satisfactorily, despite sporadic difficulties.

However, Renamo, the major opposition party, had apparently earlier voiced suspicions of possible electoral fraud.

These elections mark a new era in Mozambique's political life, given that the first proper sharing of democratic political power between Frelimo and Renamo could become a reality.

These local elections are, furthermore, seen as a preparation for the 2004 presidential elections.

The Commission:

— What information does it have as to just how free and fair the local election process in Mozambique was?

— Does it intend to support and, if so, how? the forthcoming presidential elections with material, technical and human resources?

— Is it prepared to encourage the training of electoral staff in Mozambique, both professional and voluntary, and likewise to make the population (particularly schoolchildren) aware of the rules and values of democracy? What instruments and programmes would it use to this end?

Answer given by Mr Nielson on behalf of the Commission

(26 January 2004)

The Union has observed the Municipality elections of 19 November 2003. The Union Election Observation Mission was led by Chief Observer Mr José Maria Mendiluce (Spain), a Member of the European Parliament (MEP) and of the Joint Parliamentary Assembly of the ACP-EU. The Mission comprises a Core Team of six experts, 14 Long Term Observers (LTO) and 41 Short Term Observers (STO) belonging to 14 Member States. In addition, Switzerland provided 4 STOs.

In his Preliminary Statement, the Union Chief Observer stated that both the electoral campaign and the Election Day took place in a calm atmosphere free from intimidation, without any serious incidents or irregularities to remark. The media covered the electoral contest in an adequate manner. Nevertheless, some shortcomings in the administration of the elections should be addressed. In particular, the handling of the voters' lists, the way CNE operates, and complaint and appeals mechanisms.

The Commission is providing, through the European Development Fund (EDF), support to both elections i.e. Municipal with EUR 4,4 million and General and Presidential foreseen for 2004 with EUR 12,4 million. The Community support is being monitored by an expert financed by Sweden and Ireland. This support is provided through the National Budget subject to the fulfilment of conditions. The Commission is also supporting voters with civic education for the local elections and next years' elections through a specific programme with non-governmental organisations (NGOs) funded with EUR 720 000 from the European Initiative for Democracy and Human Rights.

Furthermore, the Union is providing assistance through its Member States for programmes related to civic education, training of electoral staff and regional authorities. Assistance was given by Member States as well as to the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) to monitor the elections and provide training programmes.