DILI, 23 february 2022 (TATOLI) – The High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice-President of the European Commission, Josep Borrell, has appointed Spanish MEP Domènec Ruiz Devesa to lead the European Union (EU) Electoral Observation Mission (EOM) that will monitor the presidential elections in Timor-Leste (TL).
According to Josep Borrell, the decision comes after the invitation made by the Timorese Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation to the EU.
“The deployment of an electoral observation mission reflects the European Union’s support for Timor-Leste’s efforts towards democratic consolidation”, said the representative, in a note addressed to Tatoli.
Domènec Ruiz Devesa expressed his satisfaction at having been elected to lead the EU observation mission in Timor-Leste”, he said.
According to the new Chief of Observers, an EU EOM aims to make a positive contribution to the electoral process by providing an independent and impartial assessment of the electoral process against international standards.
It is recalled that 24 European observers arrived in Timor-Leste yesterday to follow the presidential elections. The delegation is made up of 12 women and 12 men from 17 European countries.
According to official European Union press sources for the electoral observation mission, Maria Telleria, a delegation of 26 elements was initially expected to arrive in Timor-Leste, but two would not travel due to problems related to personal documentation in a European airport.
Maria Telleria assured, however, that as soon as the situation is settled, the two elements will soon leave for Dili.
The Ambassador of the European Union in Timor-Leste, Andrew Jacobs, said, in turn, that the international delegation will remain in the country until the end of may.
Related news:24 European observers arrive in Timor-Leste today
Journalist: Jesuína Xavier
Publisher: Maria Auxiliadora/Rafy Belo
Translator: Camilio de Sousa
