European Union officials hail Algeria May 10th legislative elections

Joint statement by European Union High Representative Catherine Ashton and Commissioner Mr Štefan Füle on the elections in Algeria. “We consider these elections to be a step forward in the reform process which started in April 2011 in Algeria, expected to be concluded by a revision of the Constitution later this year to consolidate democracy and the rule of law in line with the legitimate expectations of the Algerian people”, the EU statement said.

• J oint statement by European Union High Representative Catherine Ashton and Commissioner Štefan Füle on the elections in Algeria:
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• Mrs Catherine Ashton, the High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice-President of the Commission and Štefan Füle, Commissioner for Enlargement and the European Neighbourhood Policy, made today the following statement:
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• “We welcome the holding of legislative elections in Algeria in a peaceful and orderly atmosphere” they affirmed.

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• The newly elected Algerian national popular Assembly will be called to play an important role in this process. We welcome the increased participation of women in this Assembly.µ
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• “Algeria’s invitation to the EU to observe the May 10th legislative elections is a mark of trust and engagement”, they added.

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• We take note of the preliminary results of the elections announced by the Ministry of Interior and of the Local Communities and the official voter participation rate. The preliminary findings of the EU’s Election Observation Mission, led by MEP M. Salafranca, have acknowledged positive developments in the electoral process while underlining some areas where improvements can be made.

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• More detailed recommendations will be outlined in the final report which will be made available in the coming weeks.
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• The EU is fully committed to continuing an open, comprehensive and constructive dialogue with Algeria in order to further strengthen the partnership. The EU looks forward to the newly elected Parliament taking forward the reform process based on democratic principles and the respect for human rights and the rule of law.”