“Our observation team will be independent and neutral… and there will be no interference,” added Berman, a member of the European Socialist Party in the European Parliament.
The EU signed an agreement on Tuesday to send a mission of some 200 observers to the May 23 polls, the first national elections since 2005 when disputed results sparked protests that claimed nearly 200 lives.
Ethiopian authorities accused the head of the EU observation mission at that time, Ana Gomez, of bias and spurring unrest after she alleged that the elections fell below international standards.
The African Union is also sending international observers for the vote.
The Carter Centre, which sent a mission during the previous vote, declined to participate, citing lack of time for preparations.
Some opposition officials have slammed the EU over its decision to send the team, alleging it would legitimise an election “marred by irregularities”.
But Prime Minister Meles Zenawi dismissed the claims.
Around 30 million people have registered to vote for Ethiopia’s fourth elections since the Communist regime of Mengistu Haile Mariam was toppled in 1991.
Ethiopia gets AU monitors
Addis Ababa – The African Union will send observers for Ethiopia’s elections next month, the bloc’s commission president said on Wednesday.
“The team is ready but we have decided to not yet divulge the name of the group’s leader or its members,” Jean Ping told reporters without elaborating.
Ethiopia will hold general elections on May 23. In the run up to the poll Prime Minister Meles Zenawi’s ruling party has been accused of curbing political and media freedoms.
On Tuesday, Ethiopia and the European Union signed accords to allow EU observers to monitor the polls.
The last polls, in 2005, were marred by allegations of vote rigging by the government and street protests that led to mass arrests and the killing of nearly 200 people. (Sapa)
