Zovko – the first MEP from Croatia appointed to this important function
Strasbourg, 25 October 2017 – Member of the European Parliament Željana Zovko was appointed the Chief Observer of the European Union Election Observation Mission (EOM) to Nepal by Federica Mogherini, High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice-President of the European Commission, having thus become the first MEP from Croatia appointed to this important function.
Zovko will head the Election Observation Mission to Nepal deployed by the European Union in response to an invitation by the Nepal authorities to observe the House of Representatives and provincial assemblies’ elections scheduled for 26 November and 7 December 2017. The European Union has deployed Election Observation Missions to Nepal both in 2008 and 2013, reflecting the EU’s long-term commitment to supporting credible, transparent and inclusive elections in the country.
The Chief Observer, Ms Željana Zovko, declared: “It is a great honour for me to lead the EU Election Observation Mission to Nepal. The forthcoming elections are taking place under a new political and electoral system. I’m very committed to accompany Nepal in this important phase of its democratic process.”
High Representative Mogherini pointed out: “Earlier this year, we witnessed the first local elections in Nepal in 20 years. The upcoming elections for the House of Representatives and provincial assemblies would be another important moment for the country and crucial for completing the constitutional transition process.”
“Through our Election Observation Mission, and under the leadership of Chief Observer Ms. Željana Zovko, the European Union will provide an important contribution to this electoral process. It is another demonstration of our strong partnership with the Nepalese people.” – said Mogherini.
The Election Observation Mission Core Team of ten EU election analysts arrived in Nepal on 25 October and will stay in the country until the completion of the electoral process, and to prepare a comprehensive final report. As of 3 November, the Core Team will be joined by 38 long-term observers who will be deployed across the country. On 20 November, 20 short-term observers will be deployed for the first stage of the elections scheduled for 26 November, while an additional 24 short-term observers will be deployed on 1 December for the second stage of the elections on 7 December. The European Union’s Election Observation Mission looks forward to cooperating with other international and domestic observation missions.
Shortly after the completion of the House of Representatives and provincial assemblies’ elections, the mission will issue a preliminary statement of its findings at a press conference in Kathmandu. A final report, including recommendations for future electoral processes, will be presented at a later stage, after the finalisation of the whole electoral process.