By Daisy Ayliffe - 6th March 2006
European external relations commissioner Benita Ferrero-Waldner sung the praises of EU election observation missions on Monday.
The missions are active across the world and support for election processes has become an important part of the EU external relations policy.
Over the last six years, election activities have had a budget of €77m.
“Since 2000 the EU has deployed 47 missions in 35 countries involving the participation of over 4,000 experts and observers,” the commissioner told reporters on Monday.
“Genuine elections are an essential basis for sustainable development and a functioning democracy. The EU believes that actions supporting the right to participate in genuine elections can make a major contribution to peace, security and conflict prevention.”
The EU missions are designed to contribute to stability, transparency and confidence whilst strengthening the EU’s profile “as a credible and visible actor in the field of election observation,” the commission said in a statement.
The largest EU mission is in the Palestinian territories - where elections in January saw the militant group Hamas sweep to power.
“In the end negotiations triumphed, bringing a small-miracle to the region – fair and free elections,” head of the EU mission to Palestine, Veronique de Keyser MEP explained.
“Palestinians voted for change, but they also want Hamas to change,” she added.
“The people told me that if Hamas let them down they will say no to them too. Thanks to the EU, the people of Palestine felt the power of elections.”
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