Statement by Commissioner Benita Ferrero-Waldner on the elections in Mexico, 2 July 2006

The following statement was made by the Commissioner for External Relations and European Neighbourhood Policy, Benita Ferrero-Waldner:

"I would like to congratulate the Mexican people on the way in which they have conducted the presidential and parliamentary elections. It is my belief that they have reaffirmed their commitment to democracy by the exemplary way in which they turned out to vote.
Last June, in response to a request by the Mexican Federal Electoral Institute (IFE) and in the context of the excellent bilateral relations between Mexico and the European Union, I agreed to send an Election Observation Mission to Mexico. I have been informed by the Head of this Mission, MEP Ignacio Salafranca Sanchez-Neyra, that the elections were conducted in an orderly manner in accordance with the principles of democracy.

We have faith in the Mexican electoral institutions. Our mission highlighted their professionalism, transparency and independence throughout the electoral process. We believe that the Federal Electoral Institute has the means and the capacity to operate openly and responsibly even in the event of conflict. We support the maximum transparency of the electoral process as laid down by Mexican law.
I am gratified by the positive role played by the Election Observation Mission, which made a valuable contribution to reinforcing confidence in the electoral process."

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• European Union deploys Election Observation Mission to Mexico (15/6/2006)