The European Union has deployed an Election Assessment Team (EAT) to Afghanistan in relation to the 18 September 2010 parliamentary elections. The EAT consists of 7 experts based in Kabul since 4 September, and is due to maintain a presence in the country until the beginning of November.
The EAT objective is to provide a continuous assessment against international standards and principles for democratic elections on the electoral process, as well as to provide targeted recommendations for possible improvements to the electoral framework and to the conduct of electoral operations. The recommendations will be shared with the Government of Afghanistan, the Independent Electoral Commission and other relevant stakeholders.
The EAT is a more targeted exercise than an Election Observation mission. The EAT does not expect to issue any preliminary statement after Election Day. A final report presenting the EAT findings, conclusions and recommendations will be presented to the EU institutions and to the authorities of Afghanistan several weeks after the completion of the electoral process.
The EAT operates independently under its specific mandate.