The European Union is to deploy an Election Observation Mission (EOM) to Angola to monitor the country's elections, a news release from its executive arm said here on Friday.
The EU EOM, including more than 90 observers led by European Parliament member Luisa Morgantini will in full place before the election taking place on Sept. 5, but the core of the team arrived on July 29.
The EU has made available some 2.8 million euros from the European Instrument for Democracy and Human Rights (EIDHR) for this mission.
"It is fundamental that these legislative elections are conducted in a satisfactory manner and in line with international standards," said Benita Ferrero-Waldner, commissioner for External Relations and European Neighborhood Policy.
"We are confident that its comprehensive assessment will boost the confidence of the Angolan people in the process and will provide the electoral authorities with advice to help them further improve the election process," she added.
This is the first time that Angola is to hold elections since 1992, when elections were followed by a new civil war.
"Almost five years after the end of years of war, Angola has come a long way on the path towards national reconciliation," said EU Commissioner for Development and Humanitarian Aid Louis Michel.
The elections "mark a key moment for the consolidation of democracy in Angola", he said.
Source: Xinhua
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