Preliminary statement - Forum Election Observer Team Marshall Islands
PRESS STATEMENT (229/07) 23rd November 2007 PACIFIC ISLANDS FORUM ELECTION OBSERVER TEAM REPUBLIC OF THE MARSHALL ISLANDS PRELIMINARY STATEMENT The Pacific Islands Forum Election Observer Team concluded its on-the-ground observation of the Republic of the Marshall Islands’ (RMI) Nitijela election today, 23 November. The Team’s preliminary assessment is that notwithstanding the logistical problems which occurred in Majuro, the voting and counting was conducted in a democratic manner, enabling voters to exercise their will freely. The Team was comprised of the Chief Electoral Officers from Papua New Guinea, Palau and Vanuatu, and three officials from the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat. Before the election the Team consulted with a wide cross section of community representatives, the Electoral Administration and the Government. During the voting the Team was divided into three groups of two observers. One group observed the election on Ebeye while the other two groups observed on Majuro. Due to the grounding of aircraft the Team was unable to visit the outer islands. In terms of administration, the Team observed shortcomings in the election on Majuro. Commencement of the election was delayed throughout Majuro, by a minimum of one hour and up to 9 hours. Voting continued well past the 7pm official closing time and into the early morning of 20 November. The Team observed that on Majuro voter processing was extremely slow with some voters reporting they were required to wait up to 8 hours to cast their votes. The Team also observed some instances of confusion and inconsistency in the administration of polling. The Team attributed these administrative problems, in part, to the new arrangements for the 2007 election. Notwithstanding this fact, the Team did not observe any unauthorised interference in the voting and counting processes, and is confident that the overall integrity of the election was maintained. On Ebeye, the election was conducted smoothly and within prescribed voting hours. No irregularities were observed on Ebeye. The Team was advised that voting on outer islands also proceeded smoothly. Security for the election was provided by the national and local police. The Team observed that there were no security incidents and that the police were well represented at polling stations and during transportation and securing of ballot materials. The Team congratulates the voters of RMI for their patience in the face of the difficulties which arose, and their peaceful and orderly conduct throughout the election process. The Team suggests that the electoral process could be strengthened through a number of measures. These include but are not restricted to arrangements at polling stations to facilitate faster voting, processes at major counting centres to expedite the release of results, stronger information and communication strategies, and measures to enhance the independence of the Electoral Administration. The Team’s final report will seek to offer recommendations to the Government and Electoral Administration on measures which might be taken on these and other matters to improve future elections. At the time of departure, counting on Majuro was yet to finish and postal votes had not yet been processed. Following its departure, the Team will continue to monitor the election process to its conclusion through the media and ongoing communications with stakeholders in RMI. The Team’s final report will be completed in December 2007. The report will be given to the Government and Electoral Administration of RMI and will be made public. The Pacific Islands Forum Election Observer Team has been privileged to observe the 2007 elections and extends its thanks to all those in RMI who have assisted us with our work. We wish the people of the Republic of the Marshall Islands the very best for the future. Majuro, Republic of the Marshall Islands 23 November 2007 |
2007