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Summary: 3 October 2013, Brussels - Following an invitation by the authorities of the Republic of Madagascar the European Union is deploying a mission to observe the presidential elections. The first round is scheduled for 25 October. The European Union Election Observation Mission (EU EOM) is led by Ms. Maria Muñiz de Urquiza, Member of the European Parliament, who arrived in Antananarivo on 2 October and will officially launch the mission during a press conference on 3 October.

A core team of 9 EU election analysts arrived in Antananarivo on 25 September. They will be joined by 44 long-term observers on 3 October and will be reinforced by 50 short-term observers a few days before election day. On the election day a Delegation of the European Parliament as well as locally based members of the EU diplomatic community will join the mission. The EU EOM will deploy throughout the country over 100 observers (coming from 25 EU Member States and from Norway) on election day.

Shortly after election day, the EOM will issue a preliminary statement of its initial findings at a press conference in Antananarivo. The EOM will remain in Madagascar to observe final counting of votes and any complaint procedures. It will also observe the legislative elections scheduled for 20 December and a possible second round of the presidential elections. The EU EOM will prepare a final report including recommendations to be submitted to Malagasy authorities with a view to further developing and possibly improving the electoral framework.

Ref: EU13-454EN
EU source: European Union
Date: 3/10/2013