The Mission of Foreign Visitors (MFV) of the Organization of American States (OAS) in Mexico, headed by the former President of Costa Rica, Laura Chinchilla, completed its field observation in the federal elections that were held on June 7th. The Mission, comprised of 60 experts and observers from 22 countries, was deployed across the 18 federative entities of the country.

Former President Chinchilla held meetings with electoral authorities, senators, candidates, members of different political parties and civil society, as well as with members of the international community accredited in the country. The Chief of Mission also met with various actors during a preliminary visit in April.

Following the elections, the Mission stated that citizens were able to vote on Election Day in an environment where peace prevailed, despite isolated incidents that did not affect the overall development of the electoral process. Quite a few electoral campaigns in the run-up to the elections, however, were marred by ghastly violence and intimidation. As reported by The Costa Rica Star in previous weeks, various candidates were murdered in troubled hotspots where known drug traffickers and criminal gangs have virtually taken control.

With voting concluded, the Mission would like to highlight the efforts of electoral authorities that were able to install nearly all of the voting centers (99.4 percent), guaranteeing the population’s right to vote. It also expresses its gratitude for the cooperation of the various institutions that provided the support needed at all times to allow the Mission to conduct its activities independently and in accordance with its objectives.

Following the mandates established in the Inter-American Democratic Charter, the OAS Mission observes different aspects of the electoral process such as organization and technology, the participation of women and men in the electoral process, participation of indigenous groups and people with disabilities, campaign financing, electoral justice and security. Furthermore, the OAS Mission will receive potential complaints or concerns from the different actors of the electoral process and will review and submit them to the competent authorities for their due process.

The electoral missions of the OAS are recognized as a key tool for political cooperation and for contributing to the strengthening of the electoral processes of the region. Through them the OAS seeks to contribute to the impartiality, transparency and equity of the electoral processes.

Source: OAS