Forum Election Observer Team to RMI Elections releases report
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Press statement (09/08)28th February 2008 FORUM TEAM RELEASES ITS REPORT ON THE 2007 RMI ELECTIONS The Pacific Islands Forum Team which observed the Republic of the Marshall Islands’ (RMI) 2007 Nitijela election has publicly released its report today, 28 February 2008. The public release of the report is in accordance with usual practice for Forum election observer missions, and follows official submission of the report to the President of RMI on 21 February 2008. The report sets out in some detail the Team’s observations on key issues arising in the 2007 election. The Team expresses the view that the electoral system used in RMI is fundamentally sound, and that the existing electoral laws provide most of the fundamental provisions necessary for effective and credible elections. The Team acknowledges the work put in by a largely new Electoral Administration to conduct the 2007 elections, and maintains the view that based on its observations the Chief Electoral Officer and his staff made a genuine effort to run a credible election, under difficult and vulnerable circumstances in the absence of legislative arrangements ensuring true independence from Government. In a large number of districts, including the major population centre of Kwajalein, the Team is confident that the election process was a success and the results reflected the will of the voters. At the same time, the Team recognises that the 2007 RMI elections suffered from a number of shortcomings, particularly on Majuro atoll, and acknowledges the serious concerns expressed by many individuals and groups in the RMI community about the handling of a number of aspects of the electoral process. The report discusses these issues in some detail, including logistical problems with polling in Majuro, concerns surrounding the counting and re-counting of votes, and weaknesses in the postal voting process. In accordance with the Team’s Terms of Reference, the report focuses on making constructive recommendations for strengthening RMI’s electoral processes and procedures, for the improvement of future elections. The Team emphasises that the establishment of a truly independent Electoral Administration, and the provision of resourcing and capacity commensurate with its importance and responsibilities, are the most crucial of these, and indeed are essential prerequisites for the success of the other reforms recommended. Broadly, the report’s 16 recommendations address the following key areas: • Amending electoral laws to create a fully independent Electoral Administration, and ensuring it is provided with the necessary resourcing and capacity to carry out its work effectively; • Strengthening the impartiality, public accountability, training and preparation of all elections staff; • Review of the register of voters to strengthen the integrity of the roll, and of the electoral boundaries and/or apportionment of Senators to each electoral district, to ensure equal and appropriate representation for all citizens; • Strengthening voter education, particularly through building positive partnerships between government, civil society and media; • revision of polling processes to make them more simple, speedy and effective without compromising the integrity of the ballot; • examining possible improvements and alternatives to the present postal voting system, including the possibility of overseas polling places, to maximise the accessibility, transparency and security of the process; • review of the current counting procedures, including the rules and processes for re-counts, ballot security and the provision of count information to the public; • support for the freedom and independence of the media, and development and implementation of a comprehensive information and communication strategy to ensure maximum public provision of accurate, clear and timely information about all aspects of the election; • promoting greater representation of women in the Nitijela; and • Assistance from regional and international donors for measures which may improve the efficiency and integrity of future elections in RMI. The Pacific Islands Forum Election Observer Team was comprised of Mr Andrew Trawen, Electoral Commissioner of Papua New Guinea, Mr Martin Tete, Principal Electoral Officer of Vanuatu, Ms Maria Decherong, Assistant Election Administrator of Palau, and three officials from the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat. The Team was in RMI between 12 and 24 November 2007, and one Team member returned to Majuro for further discussions from 15-19 January 2008. The Team hopes that the report and its recommendations will provide a useful resource for the Government and people of RMI as they reflect on the 2007 election and consider possible reforms and preparations for future elections, including through the Commission of Inquiry presently constituted on this matter. The Forum Secretariat stands ready to work with RMI to facilitate regional or international assistance to implement the recommendations of the Team, should RMI so request. The Pacific Islands Forum Election Observer Team was privileged to observe the 2007 elections and reiterates its thanks to all those in RMI who assisted us with our work. We wish the people of the Republic of the Marshall Islands the very best for the future. Suva, Fiji 28 February 2008 For further information contact Ms Shennia Spillane, Legal Adviser, Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat, ph +679 3220216 or email shennias@forumsec.org.fj. |
2008