By Peggy Corlin - 2nd August 2006
The EU’s mission to Congo has reported evidence of fraud in last weekend’s elections but has asked for more time before making a full assessment.
EU electoral observers said they would not give a complete report on whether the elections had been free and fair until all the votes had been counted.This is likely to take at least another three weeks given the size of the country and its poor communication links.
“The final assessment of the EU’s electoral observation mission (EUEOM) will only be released after scrutinising the scope of the fraud... and after rubber-stamping results from the different polling stations,” said French Liberal MEP Philippe Morillon, the leader of the EU delegation
“It is unfortunate to have to wait for the results of the poll but it is necessary if we want to avoid votes being questioned,” Morillon added.
The observers are due to give their complete verdict on the election after August 21, the date set by Congo’s independent electoral commission for the count to be completed.
Although the EU mission pinpointed irregularities in the financing of some political parties, it said that that election was for the most part in line with international standards.
But some Congolese politicians are already crying foul, in particular Azarias Ruberwa whose RDC party is thought have been the biggest loser in the first round of votes.
With a 70 per cent turnout, the elections have been hailed as a successful first step towards the reestablishment of democracy after years of war in the Congo.
Some 300 observers were sent by the EU, which has also invested €149m in the organisation of the elections.
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