EU to observe upcoming elections in Afghanistan
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- Afghanistan
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- EU
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Summary: 7 March 2014, Brussels - Following the invitation issued by Afghan authorities to the European Union to observe the upcoming 5 April presidential and provincial council elections, the High Representative has decided to deploy an EU Election Assessment Team (EAT). Thijs Berman, MEP, has been appointed as Chief Observer and will lead a team of 15 international experts, which will be based in Kabul.
The 2014 Afghan-led elections offer the opportunity of the first democratic transfer of power in Afghanistan's history. The European Union expects the April elections to be conducted in line with the Afghan Constitution, national legislation, international standards and best practices and to greatly contribute both to the consolidation of democracy in Afghanistan and to peace and stability in the wider region.
Catherine Ashton said: "These elections give all Afghans the opportunity to exercise their right to determine their future and send a clear message that there will be no return to the days of dictatorship and injustice. The EU Election Assessment Team will play its part in helping to ensure that the elections are as credible, inclusive and transparent as possible. I am pleased to appoint Thijs Berman as Chief Observer. He has wide knowledge of Afghanistan and previous experience of election observation."