interim statement
EISA Election Observer Mission to the 2005 Mauritius National Assembly Election (continued)

1.4 Method of Work

In order to accommodate the need for a holistic approach to election assessment, EISA conducted various activities covering the pre-election phase, the polling phase and will continue to follow post-election developments. These activities included:

• Election Update
  Owing to limited financial resources, it was not possible for the mission to undertake long-term observation. EISA used its innovative method of information gathering and sharing aimed at keeping members of the Mission and other interested parties up to date with the electoral process as it evolved in the run up to election day. Mauritius-based researchers were contracted to gather information in close consultation with EISA on critical election-related matters. This information was published in the Election Talk and Election Update series, which were widely distributed both electronically and in print.
• Stakeholder meetings and political party rallies
  Members of the EISA Mission held meetings with various electoral stakeholders, including representatives of the Electoral Commissioner's Office, the Electoral Supervisory Commission (ESC), political parties, civil society organisations, the media and academics. The Mission also met other international observer groups deployed in Mauritius. Meetings were held at both national and constituency levels. These meetings provided useful insight into the various key stakeholders' assessments of the process as well as the general atmosphere in the country as voting day approached.
• Observation of voting and counting
  On voting day, the EISA teams visited a total of 322 voting rooms in 57 polling stations and the following day they were able to observe the counting process in six counting centres.

1.5 Principles for Election Management, Monitoring and Observation in the SADC Region

The EISA Observer Mission's assessment of the 2005 National Assembly Elections in Mauritius is based on the Principles for Election Management, Monitoring and Observation in the SADC Region. PEMMO is a set of benchmarks against which an election can be measured to assess whether it is free and fair. PEMMO was developed by EISA in partnership with the Electoral Commissions Forum (ECF) of SADC Countries, which comprises all the election management bodies in the SADC region. These principles are the result of extensive research and region-wide consultation with electoral stakeholders, in particular electoral management bodies and civil society organisations that operate in the election field.

The principles cover the entire electoral process, including the period before, during and after the poll. They provide an objective standard against which an election can be measured. Furthermore, they constitute a useful tool for post-election review and for electoral reforms. For observers, PEMMO also outlines guidelines on expected behaviour for enhanced credibility of observer groups. After its adoption at a regional conference on 6 November 2003 in Johannesburg, South Africa, PEMMO has been successfully used to assess elections held since April 2004 to date in the SADC region.

2 Findings of the Mission

The EISA Election Observer Mission is extremely appreciative of the level of commitment and professionalism of the institutions and individuals involved in the conduct of elections in Mauritius, as well as the political tolerance and maturity displayed by the Mauritian people.

Basing itself on the PEMMO as a guideline, the EISA delegation made the following findings:

2.1 Legal Framework of Elections

The EISA Mission found that the electoral legal framework in Mauritius is generally conducive to the holding of regular and democratic elections. This framework guarantees fundamental freedoms and human rights and promotes the values of political stability. The constitutional and legal provisions provide for independent and impartial structures responsible for the organisation and conduct of elections.

2.2 The Electoral Commissioner's Office and the Electoral Supervisory Commission

The Mission was pleased to learn that all the electoral stakeholders praised the electoral authorities for their dedication, independence, impartiality, transparency and professionalism. The experience of the Mission in the field confirmed this view.

2.3 Voter Registration and Voter's Roll

The Mission noted with appreciation the high rate of voter registration. Likewise, the Mission recognises that the voter's roll is easily accessible and available to all election stakeholders, including political parties.