Negotiations to allow observers at final vote count "positive"

The European Union (EU) on Tuesday said negotiations with Mozambique's electoral commission to open up the one remaining part of the counting process in upcoming general elections to observers were progressing well. An EU official told IRIN the talks were "positive" and were moving in the "right direction". "We have been engaged in ongoing dialogue with the electoral commission and we expect a resolution," he said. While election monitors may be present at counting stations at the local level, they are excluded from the final provincial and national stages of the count. The final tabulation is seen as crucial, because itis at this stage that spoiled ballot papers are considered, and both provincial and national elections commissions make decisions about polling station results sheets. According to the National Election Commission (CNE) the country's electoral laws prohibits the inclusion of monitors during the final deliberations, but analysts point out that the electoral law does not mention the issue. CNE spokesman Felipe Mandlate said: "We cannot ignore electoral laws and we expect international observers and the press to respect these." In a statement on Friday the EU urged the CNE to allow observers access to "all relevant stages of the election process, including tabulating results at all levels". "It is essential that the mission is allowed to carry out its mandate, in line with international standards and practice in this field," said EU External Relations Commissioner Chris Patten, adding that he trusted the issue could be resolved in time for the 1-2 December poll.