MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

OAS deploys 74 observers for Colombia's presidential election second round

The mission is headed by former Costa Rican president Jose Maria Figueres

The Organization of American States (OAS) Electoral Observation Mission (EOM ) began the final deployment of observers ahead of the second round of the Colombian presidential election on Sunday June 15.

 The Mission headed by former Costa Rica president José María Figueres is composed of 74 observers from 25 countries and will be present in 24 departments in the country.

During the days prior to the election, the Chief of Mission, designated by the OAS Secretary General, José Miguel Insulza, will hold meetings with various actors in the electoral process.

Since the previous elections, the Mission has carried out a comprehensive analysis of the electoral process that includes issues such as electoral technology, campaign financing, electoral security, the vote abroad and the resolution of electoral disputes.

On Monday following the election, the Mission will make public its observations on the election and, once the electoral process is complete, will deliver a report to the Permanent Council of the Organization which will cover the legislative and presidential elections.

The Electoral Observation Missions of the OAS are recognized as a key tool for political cooperation to contribute to the electoral processes in the region. Through them, the OAS seeks to contribute to the impartiality, transparency, and equity in electoral processes.