ISLAMABAD: The European Union on Thursday started its Election Observation Mission (EOM) for the upcoming general election. Addressing a press conference, Chief Observer Michael Gahler, a member of the European Parliament from Germany, vowed to observe the election process with complete neutrality. He said it was a great privilege to have once again been given this opportunity to lead the EU Election Observation Mission to Pakistan.”The elections on July 25 mark an important stage in Pakistan’s democratic development, and I hope that our presence will contribute to a transparent electoral process.” Gahler explained that the mandate of the EU EOM was to observe all aspects of the electoral process, and to assess the extent to which the elections were in compliance with the country’s laws as well as international and regional commitments to which Pakistan was a signatory. The mission comprises a core team of 10 election analysts who will be based in Islamabad. Sixty long-term observers (LTOs) will arrive over the next few days to be deployed across the country in early July. “When the LTOs arrive in their areas of observation, they will start meeting election officials, candidates and representatives of civil society. They will report their observations back to the core team in Islamabad, and these will contribute to the mission’s assessment of the electoral process,” Gahler explained. The EU EOM will also be joined by a delegation of seven Members of the European Parliament, as well as diplomats from European embassies in Pakistan. At full strength, the mission will comprise up to 100 observers. Further, Gahler said that the EOM was independent in its findings and conclusions. “EU observers adhere to a strict code of conduct for international election observation that require maintenance of strict neutrality and impartiality.” Shortly after election-day, the mission will issue a preliminary statement on July 27, though its stay in the country is till September. A more comprehensive final report, including recommendations for future electoral processes, will be published approximately two months after the election. Published in Daily Times, June 29th 2018.