Interim Statement: PIFS Election Observer Team, RMI
PRESS STATEMENT 236/07
18th December 2007
Pacific Islands Forum Election Observer Team
Republic of the Marshall Islands
INTERIM STATEMENT
Since its departure from the Republic of Marshall Islands (RMI) on 24 November, the Pacific Islands Forum Election Observer Team has continued to monitor the electoral process. The Team has noted various issues raised in the media in relation to the conduct of the count, and is aware of further concerns expressed by the political parties and others about aspects of the polling and counting, and the integrity of the unofficial results.
In light of these developments, the Election Observer Team has decided that one member of the Team will return to RMI in January for further discussions with the Electoral Administration, political parties and other key stakeholders, in order to gather more information on the conduct of the count and on any election petitions and complaints filed. The Team will finalise its report following that visit.
The Team regrets any inconvenience caused by postponing the release of its report, but we believe the delay and the proposed return visit is the best course of action to ensure our observations reflect the electoral process in its entirety.
(ENDS)
18th December 2007
Pacific Islands Forum Election Observer Team
Republic of the Marshall Islands
INTERIM STATEMENT
Since its departure from the Republic of Marshall Islands (RMI) on 24 November, the Pacific Islands Forum Election Observer Team has continued to monitor the electoral process. The Team has noted various issues raised in the media in relation to the conduct of the count, and is aware of further concerns expressed by the political parties and others about aspects of the polling and counting, and the integrity of the unofficial results.
In light of these developments, the Election Observer Team has decided that one member of the Team will return to RMI in January for further discussions with the Electoral Administration, political parties and other key stakeholders, in order to gather more information on the conduct of the count and on any election petitions and complaints filed. The Team will finalise its report following that visit.
The Team regrets any inconvenience caused by postponing the release of its report, but we believe the delay and the proposed return visit is the best course of action to ensure our observations reflect the electoral process in its entirety.
(ENDS)
