Kampala, Uganda, 15th February 2016–The AU Short Term Observers will be deployed on 16th February 2016 to their assigned provinces with hand-held computer tablets which will enable them to collect and transmit observation data in real-time. The deployment of observers follows a three-day training on the African Union observation methodology and briefing, which took place from 13-15 February 2016. On ground in their areas of deployment, observers will be expected to consult with the Electoral Commission, the Police, and other relevant stakeholders.
The AU Election Observation Mission (AUEOM) to Uganda comprises fourty one (41) short-term observers (STOs), drawn from 28 African countries representing the African Union Permanent Representatives' Committee, the Pan-African Parliament, Election Management Bodies, Civil Society Organisations and Independent Elections Experts.
The AUEOM will assess the 18th February 2016 Presidential, Parliamentary and Local Council Elections in the Republic of Uganda in conformity with the 2007 African Charter on Democracy, Elections and Governance; the 2002 AU/OAU Declaration on Principles Governing Democratic Elections in Africa; the 2002 AU Guidelines for Elections Observation and Monitoring Missions; and the legal framework governing the conduct of elections in Uganda.

On Election Day, the AU observers’ teams will observe the opening of the polling stations; the voting process; and the closing and counting. Based on its observation on Election Day, the AUOEM will come with its overall assessment, conclusions and recommendations.

The Preliminary Statement will be issued at a press conference by the Head of AUEOM Her Ladyship Justice Sophia Akuffo, former President of the African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights and Judge of the Supreme Court of Ghana. The statement will present the Mission’s preliminary findings up until the closing and counting processes on 18th February 2016. A final report will be released upon the conclusion of the electoral process.

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#GAAK

The Secretariat of the AUEOM is located at Sheraton Hotel, in Kampala. Further enquiries about the Mission can be made to the Mission Coordinators:
1) Mr. Idrissa Kamara: kamarai@africa-union.org | Mobile phone: +256782248978
2) Mrs. Sharon Ndlovu: ndlovus@africa-union.org | Mobile phone: +256782248862.

For Media inquiries contact: Mr. Gamal Eldin Ahmed A. Karrar gamalk@africa-union.org | Mobile phone: +256787580390.

Directorate of Information and Communication | African Union Commission I E-mail: DIC@african-union.org I Web Site: www.au.int I Addis Ababa | Ethiopia
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