The Green Party of Canada urges the Harper Government to step forward and authorize a Canadian election observation mission for the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

On June 20, the Congolese government sent out invitations for international election observers.  On August 2, Catherine Ashton, European Union High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice President of the European Commission, announced her decision to send an EU election observation mission to the Congo.  Baroness Ashton plans to send the mission between six and eight weeks before the November 28 election.

A Government of Canada web page, most recently updated in July, notes that "several" Canadian observers will be joining the EU mission.  "This vague statement predates the EU announcement. More than a week has elapsed since the EU's public statement and we therefore question if Canada's commitment to the Congo is serious," stated Ellen Michelson, the Green Party of Canada's Peace and Security Critic.

Events in the Congo have been met with too much neglect, worldwide.  "It is critically important for the future of the Congo that their November elections are not only free and fair, but are also declared to be so by an independent international body," notes Dr. Glenys Babcock, President of Pragmora, an international peace think tank. "If the Congolese people do not believe that the November elections are fair, there is a very real risk that violence will not only engulf the Congo, but will threaten the fragile peace in neighbouring Rwanda, Uganda, and South Sudan as well."  Sending our own Canadian team of substantial size will deliver a strong message.

"In 2006, Canada sent observers to the Congo.  Last year, we sent several groups, totalling several hundred observers, to Ukraine.  We need to do the same for the Congo at this critical juncture," emphasized Green Party leader Elizabeth May.  "Canada has the opportunity to support the Congo's fledgling democracy and help prevent an escalation of conflict.  We urge our government to keep its commitments."