P 082/05
Brussels, 1 August 2005 - The European Union is pleased to note that the second round of the Presidential elections in Guinea-Bissau was considered by international observers, in particular the European Union Election Observation Mission (EU EOM), to have been peaceful and generally well organised in a transparent and inclusive manner, in line with international principles for democratic elections. Voters were able to exercise their franchise freely, despite a tense pre-election period.
The European Union congratulates the people of Guinea-Bissau for turning out peacefully to demonstrate a clear commitment to peace and democracy, and notes that the armed forces have supported the conduct of a democratic election process. The European Union also congratulates the National Election Commission for its successful and professional work through the electoral process.
The European Union notes the provisional regional results, published on 28 July, and calls on all political parties and stakeholders to ensure that the remaining part of the election process will be completed in good order and in line with constitutional and other legal provisions.
The Acceding Countries Bulgaria and Romania, the Candidate Countries Turkey and Croatia*, the Countries of the Stabilisation and Association Process and potential candidates Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Serbia and Montenegro, EFTA countries Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway, members of the European Economic Area, as well as Ukraine and the Republic of Moldova align themselves with this declaration.
* Croatia continues to be part of the Stabilisation and Association Process.