Following the invitation by the Salvadorian authorities, the European Union is deploying an Election Observation Mission (EOM) to El Salvador to observe the Presidential Election, due to take place on 03 February 2019. Reflecting the European Union's long-term commitment to supporting credible, transparent and inclusive elections in El Salvador, the EU has deployed an EOM to the General Elections in 2009 and very recently an EOM to the Legislative and Municipal Elections in 2018.

Federica Mogherini, High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice-President of the European Commission, has appointed Carlos Iturgaiz, Member of the European Parliament, as Chief Observer of the EU Election Observation Mission to Salvador.

High Representative and Vice President Federica Mogherini stated: "The EU was invited to observe the elections in El Salvador, following the positive experience in 2018. This illustrates the quality of the relations between the EU and El Salvador. The EU Election Observation Mission, under the leadership of Chief Observer Carlos Iturgaiz, will make an important contribution to this electoral process. We also look forward to continue working with El Salvador on the implementation of the observation mission's recommendations."

Carlos Iturgaiz declared: "I feel honoured to lead again the EU Election Observation Mission to El Salvador. These elections are highly important since their results will determine who will be the new Head of State and Government of El Salvador for the next 5 years. We hope to contribute again to an overall credible, transparent and inclusive process with our impartial and objective assessment."

The Electoral Observation Mission's core team, consisting of 9 analysts, arrived in San Salvador on 26 December. The team will stay in the country until the completion of the electoral process, as well as prepare a comprehensive final report.

On 2 January, the core team was joined by 28 long-term observers who were deployed across the country.

A further 28 short-term observers will be deployed on 27 January. The EU EOM also looks forward to cooperate with other international and domestic observation missions.

Background

Shortly after the elections day, the mission will issue a preliminary statement of its findings at a press conference in San Salvador. A final report, including recommendations for future electoral processes, will be presented at a later stage to the Salvadorian Government, after the finalization of the electoral process. The EU will continue to work with the Salvadorian authorities on the implementation of the recommendations of its Observation Missions in El Salvador.