Work is now underway to set the Terms of Reference for the 2014 General Election International Observer Group which will be co-headed by Australia and another country.
Attorney General and Minister for Elections, Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum said discussions have been held with the Australian Parliamentary Secretary, Brett Mason and further talks are now underway.
Sayed-Khaiyum said while some political parties are raising questions on why the government is talking about a Terms of Reference for the international observer groups, it is important to ensure that proper definitions and assessments are set out.
Under section 119 of the Electoral Decree, the Minister for Elections may appoint or invite any person, organization or entity to be observers for any election on such terms of reference as determined by the Minister.
The decree also mentions that the observers will have designated areas during polling and they will also be present in polling stations at the opening of the ballot boxes and during the counting process.
Story by: Vijay Narayan
