EU Commissioners Ferrero-Waldner and Michel on the elections in Rwanda

"These elections mark the beginning of an important electoral cycle in Rwanda and I congratulate the Rwandan electoral authorities for the correct organization of these elections and the mobilization of the Rwandan electorate. In comparison to the elections of 2003, progress has been made including in the areas of freedom of association and assembly at local level. However, having said this, further efforts can still be made in enhancing the transparency and accountability of the electoral process. I would also like to express my appreciation and gratitude for the hard work and commitment of the Chief Observer Michael Cashman, MEP, and the entire observation mission. I sincerely hope that the EU Election Observation findings will contribute to a dialogue with the Rwandan electoral authorities on further electoral reform."

Louis Michel, European Commissioner for Development and Humanitarian Aid, underlines the importance of these second national legislative elections since the genocide of 1994.

"This second national legislative election since the genocide in Rwanda has highlighted the important steps towards the consolidation of democracy in Rwanda. Significant progress has been made, and I encourage the Rwandese authorities and population to build on the positive outcome of the elections and to continue contributing with full confidence to the consolidation of a stable, peaceful and democratic country. The EU will continue to support Rwanda's efforts in that sense and will remain fully committed to sustain the country in its development goals

The European Commission deployed an EU Election Observation Mission (EU EOM) for the 15-18 September 2008 Chamber of Deputies elections in Rwanda led by Mr. Michael Cashman, Member of the European Parliament.

The mission noted significant improvements as compared to previous elections. Polling and counting were well organised, but would have benefited from the full implementation of important safeguards for transparent elections. The electoral authorities have proven their ability to swiftly respond to difficulties that have arisen during the electoral process. The EU EOM has recommended further reforms in the domains of campaign regulations, further professionalisation of the media and civil society activities and the scope for a more pluralistic debate.

The EU EOM deployed 101 observers from 26 EU Member States, Norway and Switzerland throughout Rwanda to observe and assess the electoral process in accordance with international standards for elections and the laws of Rwanda. The EU EOM enjoyed good cooperation and relations to the Rwandan authorities and will stay on the ground until early October to observe post-election developments. A final report covering the whole electoral process including recommendations for future elections such as the 2010 Presidential elections will be published by the EU EOM in the coming months.

For further information:
http://ec.europa.eu/external_relations/human_rights/eu_election_ass_observ/index.htm

http://ec.europa.eu/development/geographical/regionscountries/countries/country_profile.cfm?cid=rw&type=short&lng=en

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