La Paz, October 9 (RHC-Mercopress) -- Former Guatemalan President Alvaro Colom has arrived in La Paz as Chief of the Electoral Observation Mission from the Organization of American States (OAS/EOM) to head the group of 63 people who will observe the Bolivian general elections of October 12th.

Most of the observers have been in Bolivia since September 22nd and deployed a mobile observer group that visited the country's nine departments.

In addition, the OAS/EOM experts will conduct a substantive and detailed analysis of the process in reference to electoral organization and technology, campaign funding, equal participation of men and women in the elections, media analysis, electoral security, electoral justice and participation of indigenous groups.

Throughout the week, the Chief of Mission will hold meetings with political leaders, government and electoral officials, members of civil society and representatives of the international community.

On Election Day, observers will be present at polling stations throughout the country’s departments, from the opening of the polls until the counting of votes.

On Monday, October 13th following the elections, the OAS/EOM will announce its preliminary findings at a press conference and will subsequently present an oral report to the Permanent Council of the Organization in Washington, DC.