Labour MEP Edward Scicluna was one of the invited High Level Panelists at the Annual Follow-Up Meeting on the Declaration of Principles for International Election Observation held in Brussels between the 4th and 6th October 2011. This was the first time that the event has been hosted by the European Union (EU) and included the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs Baroness Catherine Ashton, President Jimmy Carter and former Canadian Prime Minister Joe Clark. The meeting was chaired by EP President Jerzy Buzek.

The EU is a leading actor in the field of election observation, with more than 100 missions deployed across the globe in the past 15 years and a growing engagement for 2012-13 in the European Neighbourhood. Prof Scicluna led one of its missions to Uganda earlier this year.

Speaking on behalf of the EU appointed Chief Election Observers, Prof. Scicluna said, “EU co-ordination with other external election observers such as the Carter Centre, the African Union and the Commonwealth is crucial for their credibility. External election observers need to speak with one voice.”

Among the topics raised by President Jimmy Carter and Rt Hon Joe Clark were the political problems faced by such missions in countries which lacked the democratic credentials and the dilemmas faced when deciding the outcome of such an exercise. Also discussed were the dangers faced by personnel on the ground. However all agreed about the enormous benefit to the peoples who aspire to a free and democratic future for their country.

Prof Scicluna also informed the meeting that his proposal to organise a mid-term meeting with local ambassadors and other stakeholders in Uganda to take stock of the EU Observers’ Recommendations was being taken up.

The event focused on the specific importance of observation as an instrument for democracy development. The panelists discussed the politics behind the support for elections and the ways in which election support can be used as a tool for peace, stability and democratic reform. Around 70 delegates from over 30 different endorsing organizations were present.

Speaking with Prof Scicluna, both President Carter and Rt Hon Clarke told him that they hold Malta and its people in high esteem.

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