The Presidency of the EU notes that the preliminary findings and conclusions of the OSCE/ODIHR International Election Observation Mission recognise that these elections have shown some improvements on the Presidential election of November 2003 and previous Parliamentary elections.

The Presidency of the EU welcomes the fact that a large number of OSCE/ODIHR observers have monitored these elections. But the Presidency of the EU notes with disappointment the assessment of the OSCE/ODIHR observation mission that the 6 November parliamentary elections fell short of OSCE, Council of Europe, and other European standards.

In addition to problems relating to the campaign, which the EU raised in earlier statements, the Presidency of the EU is particularly concerned with reports of serious problems in the counting and tabulation of votes in a large number of constituencies, and with reports of interference by a number of Heads of local authorities supporting some of candidates.

It is essential that in those constituencies where complaints of fraud and malpractice have been made, the complaints are investigated fully, quickly and in a transparent manner, and that relevant action is taken as necessary. The Presidency of the EU will pay close attention to the way in which such complaints are handled. The Presidency of the EU urges all parties and their supporters in this election, and the authorities, to respect due process of law and to refrain from violent confrontation.