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OAS Signs Electoral Observation Process Agreement with Suriname

  May 3, 2010

The Chief of the OAS Electoral Observation Mission in Suriname, Irene Klinger, met today with the Minister of Home Affairs, Maurits S. Hassankhan; the Director, Adjaykoemar Moensi; and the Chair of the Independent Electoral Commission, Jennifer V. van Dijk to sign the Agreement on the Electoral Observation Process, which guarantees access to electoral information and facilities for the Mission to conduct its evaluation.

Following on the Inter-American Democratic Charter, the OAS has been lending its services to Member States to strengthen their electoral processes and systems. The OAS will deploy 30 observers to the 10 districts in Suriname to observe pre-election activities, the election itself and the counting of the ballots.

During this preparatory visit, Klinger met with the various political parties and coalitions competing in these elections, as well as with electoral authorities, civil society representatives and government officials, including the Minister of Home Affairs and the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Lygia Kraag-Keteldijk, who both welcomed the Mission and offered full assistance so that it can fulfill its mandate.

Once the EOM has concluded its work, Klinger will report on the process to the OAS Permanent Council. The OAS Mission was comprised by Steve Griner and Jean Francois Ruel in addition to Klinger.

For more information, please visit the OAS Website at www.oas.org.

Reference: E-151/10