NAY PYI TAW — Myanmar and the European Union Friday signed a agreement to allow EU observers to monitor the country’s general election in November.
EU ambassador to Myanmar Roland Kobia and Myanmar's commissioner in charge of international observation Daw Myint Kyi signed the memorandum of understanding allowing for the deployment of a full EU Election Observation Mission in Myanmar. It came at the invitation of Myanmar authorities and is supported by political and civic groups here.
The observation mission will comprise more than 100 representatives from EU member states as well as Canada, Switzerland and Norway.
"The observation mission that the EU is sending is part of a much broader picture of our continuous engagement with Myanmar," said Mr Kobia. "Our enhanced cooperation is aimed at underpinning the country's political transition and reform process."
Federica Mogherini, the EU chief of foreign affairs and security policy, soon will appoint a chief observer to lead the team. The mission is expected to arrive in Myanmar several weeks ahead of the Nov 8 poll to reach out stakeholders and obtain a thorough understanding of the situation.
Observers will remain in Myanmar until the electoral process is completed. The EU said a long-term presence will help provide an in-depth assessment of the election process.
The observation team also will issue a preliminary statement shortly after election day and a final report with recommendations later.