The European Union takes note of the outcome of the presidential, legislative and local elections of 20 November in Equatorial Guinea. It deplores that the environment in which they were conducted was not conducive to democratic, pluralist and participatory elections. The EU calls on authorities to undertake a thorough investigation of allegations of abuse and irregularities with the utmost urgency.
A fully inclusive and participatory dialogue between all political parties and civil society in the country is needed. We support the recommendations by the international observation missions deployed to Equatorial Guinea to engage in political dialogue, facilitate the meaningful participation and contribution of civil society, and make public media equally accessible to all.
The European Union urges the authorities of Equatorial Guinea to substantially improve the democratic governance in the country to the benefit of all its citizens.