Malabo, Equatorial Guinea, 27 May 2013/ ACP Press Release: A four-member delegation of the ACP Group have been in Malabo, Equatorial Guinea over the weekend to independently observe the legislative, senatorial and municipal elections held 26 May 2013. The elections are the first to be held in the country since the adoption of the new constitution on 13 November 2011.

The delegation was led by the Ambassador of the Dominican Republic to Brussels H.E. Mr. Alejandro Augusto Gonzales Pons, and includes Ambassador of Cameroon H.E. Mr. Daniel Evina Abe’e, the Ambassador of Fiji H.E. Mr. Peceli Vuniwaqa Vocea, and Mr. Mahamane Aoudou Cissé of the ACP Secretariat.

The mission began its activities on 24 May, observing the final preparation and conduct of the elections, particularly with respect to the technical procedures designed to guarantee the integrity and transparence of the electoral process. The group met with the Electoral Commission as well as a wide range of stakeholders from within the governmental circles, political parties, civil society, the diplomatic corps, and with the members of other election observation missions. Finally, the ACP Mission visited several polling stations on the day of elections, both in Malabo and in rural areas.

The ACP election observation mission is in response to an invitation from the Government of the Republic of Equatorial Guinea, falling within the ACP Group’s framework for intra-ACP political dialogue. In the spirit of solidarity with its member states, the Group is committed to provide all possible assistance to members firmly engaged in the difficult process of strengthening democracy, good governance and the rule of law.

– ACP PAHD/ ACP Press