The EU EOM is composed of more than 100 observers from 25 European Union member states, as well as Norway and Canada. The mission is coordinated by a team of 10 experts in different electoral fields. On Sunday, January 12, the first 38 long-term observers (LTOs) were deployed throughout Ecuador to ensure a complete and balanced coverage of the different regions of the country, both in urban and rural areas. In the days leading up to the elections, another 40 short-term observers (STOs) will join the mission to reinforce the observation of the voting, counting and publication of the results, as well as diplomats from European embassies accredited in Ecuador. Also, a delegation of 7 members of the European Parliament will arrive in the country to observe the election day.

The mandate of the EU EOM is to evaluate 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; voter´s registration; candidate´s registration; 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 networks during the electoral campaign; respect for fundamental rights in electoral matters, with special attention to the most vulnerable groups; voting, counting and publication of results; and complaints and appeals.

The mission has a team of analysts specialised 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 issue its preliminary declaration at a press conference in Quito. The EU EOM will remain in the country until the end of the electoral process, including a possible presidential run-off. The final report with recommendations will be issued approximately two months after the completion of the entire electoral process.