"Perspectives on EU Election Observation" - Speech by EU Commissioner Ferrero-Waldner

Summary: 17 March 2009, Brussels - Speech by Benita Ferrero-Waldner, European Commissioner for External Relations and European Neighbourhood Policy, "Perspectives on EU Election Observation" at a seminar on "Perspectives on EU Election Observation"

Honourable Members,
Ladies and Gentlemen,

Welcome to this second seminar on election observation jointly organised by the EP (European Parliament) and Commission.

I'd like to start with a vote of thanks to those who give the EU's election observation work the excellent reputation it now enjoys.

A character in Tom Stoppard's play Jumpers says, "It's not the voting that's democracy; it's the counting"!

Our election observers are better placed than most to judge. Over the last five years, many hundreds of people from all Member States have taken part in EU EOMs. Their work is to ensure every element of the electoral cycle is taken into account. It makes a huge contribution to the EU's objective of fostering democracy development around the world.

I would also like to thank the many MEPs who have played an essential part in the process through their role as Chief Observers. The political impetus that experienced politicians can bring to an observation process is invaluable.

Without the commitment of all these remarkable individuals to promote democracy and human rights throughout the world, we would not be where we are today. They should be rightly proud of the role they play.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

The EU's election observation activities are a vital part of fostering democracy development around the world. It is a practical and highly visible expression of the EU's foreign policy objectives: promoting human rights and democracy, peace-building and security reform.

An enormous amount has been achieved in the last five years: over 40 EU Election Observation Missions in Sub-Saharan Africa, Latin America and the Caribbean, Asia and the Pacific and the Middle East. Just to mention a few highlights:

We have succeeded in sending EOMs despite particularly difficult circumstances, like Afghanistan in 2005, West Bank/Gaza in 2006, Nigeria in 2007 and Pakistan in 2008.

We have observed truly historic elections in Bhutan, Nepal and Angola.

We have also managed to operate in extremely volatile political situations like Lebanon in 2005 and more recently in Bangladesh.

These experiences give us more political leverage to advocate electoral and governance reform: our increased efforts since 2005 in Latin America have already paid off, as the recent experiences in Ecuador and Bolivia showed.

These successes are in part due to the role played by the European Parliament. I have already mentioned MEPs' crucial role as Chief Observers, but the European Parliament's Salafranca/De Keyser report also added important recommendations for strengthening EU observation policy.

I am confident that we will continue our fruitful partnership in the next legislature.

Close cooperation with the Council and Member States is also crucial. We need full coherence between our various policy tools. As an example, think of the link with CFSP actions in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Aceh/Indonesia.

But, whilst rightly recognising our successes, I do not want to sound complacent. We have a justifiably strong reputation for long-term observation, but we must continually ensure that our high standards of expertise and fully independent assessments are maintained.

That means constantly striving to improve ourselves in the quest for long-term, consistent and comprehensive election observation. Challenges remain: just think about the huge task to ensure security for the EOM expected for in Afghanistan in August.

Let me share some recent developments with you:

- We have improved the methodology of our missions, and extended the pool of highly qualified European experts, in particular through specialised training. But we still have much to do, as challenges are increasing.

- We have also, and this is an issue close to my heart, focused on improving women's participation in political life. From now on, our missions will systematically include gender expertise.

- We are focusing on ensuring a better continuum between the various elements of the "election cycle". The substantial pre-electoral assistance programmes should better support voter registration; and, after the elections, the EU EOM's recommendations should feed directly into our technical assistance.

- I have instructed my services to take into account the EU EOM's recommendations for the mid-term review of our country strategies. On the advice of some Chief Observers, I have now also budgeted for a number of post- election monitoring missions.

- And we have also thought about cooperation with other domestic and international observers. Together with Commissioner Michel, I have launched a full programme supporting the African Union's own electoral observation capacity. And in this regard, I have also had a first contact with Amre Moussa from the Arab League.

But there is certainly more that can be done:

What is the general perception of EU EOMs in the countries themselves: do we capitalize enough on the visibility of these operations? How do we make our criticisms more acceptable? How do we ensure that the recommendations are followed through? How can we respond positively to the ever increasing number of requests from third countries while keeping our high standards and accommodating financial and human resource constraints? How can we meet the increasing challenge of security for our observers (I am particularly thinking of the forthcoming elections in Afghanistan)?

I hope you will come up with some ideas in the next two sessions. I am sure that we will particularly benefit from the external expertise represented here, from within and outside the EU.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

For me, Electoral Observations Missions have a fundamental and vital purpose. As Lyndon B. Johnson observed,

"The vote is the most powerful instrument ever devised by man for breaking down injustice and destroying the terrible walls which imprison men because they are different from other men."

What nobler cause can there be for us all than breaking down injustice and giving people freedom.

I wish you a productive morning, and look forward to hearing the outcome of your discussions.

Ref: SP09-020EN
EU source: European Commission
UN forum:
Date: 17/3/2009

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