EU EOM observers deployed to the 13 districts of Timor-Leste

Dili, June 17, 2007 – Twenty eight long term observers (LTOs) of the European Union Election Observation Mission (EU EOM) were deployed on Saturday (June 16) to the 13 districts of Timor-Leste to observe the parliamentary election of 30 June, 2007.

EU EOM firstly arrived in Timor-Leste on March 15, to observe the two rounds of the presidential election, which were held on April 9, and May 9.

The EU mission is led by Chief Observer Mr. Javier POMÉS RUIZ (Spain), Member of the European Parliament, and totals 90 members, including a core team of seven electoral experts based in Dili, and local staff. A delegation of Members of the European Parliament will join the mission over the election day period.

EU observers (coming from 17 EU member states, Swiss and Norway) must abide by a Code of Conduct which requires them to maintain strict neutrality in the course of their work, and not interfere in the election process. They will observe campaign activities and the activity of the electoral administration (National Election Commission and Technical Secretariat for Electoral Administration).

The EU Election Observation Mission will issue a preliminary statement of findings and conclusions at a press conference in Dili on July 2. A final report will be issued after the

completion of the entire election process.

Contact: Paulo Nogueira

paulo.nogueira@eueomtimorleste.org, EU EOM Press Officer

Mob: +670 7340856