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28 EU observers redeployed in Sierra LeoneFREETOWN, Oct 15, 2012 (Xinhua via COMTEX) -- A group of 28 European Union long- term observers from 22 member states and Norway are to be deployed throughout Sierra Leone Monday, a press statement said here. According to the statement, the observers arrived in the Sierra Leonean capital Freetown last weekend to observe the forthcoming presidential, parliamentary and Local Council elections in the West African country. After three days of comprehensive briefing, the EU observers are being deployed to all 14 districts of Sierra Leone. Over the next weeks, the observers will meet with election officials, candidates and representatives of civil society and report their observations back to Freetown. A group of 50 short-term observers due on the election day will also be briefed in Freetown and deployed across the country. A delegation of seven members of the European Parliament will also be joining the mission nearer the election day to observe vote counting and the tabulation of results. EU election observers are bound by a strict code of conduct that enhances their neutrality and impartiality. They do not interfere in the electoral process and have no authority to change or correct any shortcomings or to request charges during the election process. After the election day, the EU Election Observation Mission will issue a statement on its preliminary findings and conclusions and a final report will be issued at a later stage. |