The mission is led by Gabriel Mato, Member of the European Parliament, who said: “We are no strangers to the circumstances surrounding the electoral process. I have been able to meet with the electoral authorities, presidential candidates and civil society organizations, to have a first vision of how the electoral process is developing. We are fully aware of our responsibility and the scope of observation. We are going to have meetings all this time, and we are going to listen to everyone who has something to say and to contribute. After that, we will prepare our conclusions in a final report that will include recommendations for future elections.”

The EU EOM has more than 100 observers from 25 EU Member States, as well as Norway and Canada. A team of 10 experts from different electoral fields coordinates the mission. On Sunday, January 12, the first 38 long-term observers (LTOs) deployed throughout Ecuador to ensure a complete and balanced coverage of the different regions of the country, both urban and rural areas. In the days leading up to the elections, another 40 short-term observers (STOs) will to reinforce the observation of the vote, the counting and the publication of the results. In addition, diplomats from European embassies accredited in Ecuador will join the mission. In addition, a delegation of seven Members of the European Parliament will arrive in the country to participate in the monitoring of Election Day.

The mandate of the EU EOM is to observe all aspects of the electoral process and provide an informed, independent and impartial assessment, in accordance with Ecuador’s regional and international commitments on democratic elections, as well as its national legislation. Aspects assessed include the legal framework and its implementation; electoral registration and registration of candidates; the electoral campaign and its financing; the performance of the electoral administration; the contribution of civil society to the electoral process; the role of the media and social media during the election campaign; respect for fundamental rights in electoral matters, with particular attention to the most vulnerable groups; voting, scrutiny and publication of the results; and the electoral dispute.

The mission has a team of analysts specialized in key areas such as electoral administration, legal framework, electoral campaign and its financing, media and social media monitoring, electoral technologies and statistical analysis. The EU EOM applies a rigorous observation methodology, based on the principles of independence, impartiality, non-interference, transparency and professionalism.

On February 11, two days after the elections, the mission will publish its preliminary statement at a press conference in Quito. The EU EOM will remain in the country until the completion of the electoral process, including a possible presidential runoff. The final report, which may include recommendations, will be published approximately two months after the conclusion of the electoral process.

UE Ecuador (2025)

Gabriel Mato, Chief Observer of the EU Election Observation Mission (EU EOM), Jekaterina Dorodnova, EU Delegation Ambassador, José Antonio de Gabriel, Deputy Chief Obsever EU EOM.