Press Release

The Chief Observer of the European Union Election Observation Mission (EU EOM) to Uganda, Edward Scicluna, Member of the European Parliament (MEP), has concluded a series of discussions with stakeholders in Uganda's 2011 Presidential and Parliamentary Elections.

After his arrival in Kampala on Sunday, 6 February, Mr Scicluna had discussions with senior officials of the Electoral Commission, representatives of political parties and civil society leaders.

"I have had constructive and informative discussions with a range of actors involved in these elections," Mr Scicluna said.

"Generally, I have found that the campaign has been relatively peaceful and calm so far. It is our hope that this remains the case for the rest of the campaign period, on Election Day itself and, most importantly, directly after the results are announced."

"Violence has no part to play in a democratic process anywhere in the world." During discussions at the Electoral Commission, Mr Scicluna noted measures being undertaken to facilitate the conduct of the elections.

He added: "We very much hope the Electoral Commission will follow international best practice by posting on its website the election results broken down polling station by polling station. This will lead to greater transparency of the election process and greater confidence and trust among voters in the eventual outcome."

The EU EOM operates in accordance with the "Declaration of Principles for International Election Observation" adopted by a number of international bodies involved in election observation in 2005 at the United Nations in New York. Shortly after Election Day, the mission will issue a preliminary statement of its initial findings and conclusions at a press conference in Kampala. It will remain in the country to observe the period after the elections. A more comprehensive final report, including recommendations for future elections, will be published within three months of the end of the electoral process.

For media inquiries and further information please contact:

Paul Anderson, Press officer

Mobile: + 256 (0) 772 709683; Office: +256 (0) 312 202164/5

Email: paul.anderson@eueomuganda.eu