50 more EU election observers arrive

GASABO - The European Union Election Observer Mission (the EU EOM) contingent has been boosted by the arrival of some 50 more observers. Michael Cashman, the EU’s chief observer for Rwanda revealed this Thursday at La Palisse, Nyandungu where he was seeing them off as they started their journey to various stations in the country. “Yesterday, we spent the entire day together with Charles Munyaneza of the National Electoral Commission and we spoke to them about the code of conduct to abide by,” Cashman told The New Times. He also said that the group is well prepared and has been given interpreters, adding that they would be joined by another delegation from the EU Parliament on Friday, just three days before elections kick off. “They will operate separately but work with us,” he pointed out, saying that the EU legislators would have their own staff and organization. Accordingly, some nine more short term observers are expected and he hopes to have “over 90” election observes by Election Day – Monday next week. “We’ll continue to work closely with officials,” he said while reiterating his earlier vow – “we are not here to interfere.” Apart from the EU Parliament’s contingent, the East Africa Legislative Assembly’s (EALA) delegation presently in the country will also play a part in observing the forthcoming polls. Ends