KINSHASA, May 23 (Xinhua) -- A total of 253 observers from the European Union (EU) would be sent to the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) for the presidential, legislative and provincial elections starting on July 30, EU official said here on Tuesday.

    The Electoral Observation Mission of the EU, known by its French acronym MOE, has been designated to guarantee the credibility and transparency of the elections, said Bernard Piette,the interim EU director of MOE affairs, after signing an accord with DRC Minister of Foreign Affairs Ramazani Baya.

    Piette noted there could be no credible elections without stringent observation.

    Under the accord, the MOE has the responsibility to be impartial, objective and independent during the mission in the DRC. The observers are expected to respect the conduct code of European observers and not intervene in the elections.

    During their mission, the MOE members may tour the DRC without authorization or notification. They also have access to all political parties, candidates, electoral agents, and representatives of civil societies, as well as electorates.

    The DRC government has promised to take the necessary measures to ensure the observers obtain visas in time and facilitate their legal entry and status during their mission.

    The DRC is scheduled to hold its first democratic elections in 45 years on July 30. The international community hopes the elections will guide the shattered country out of its war-torn state. Enditem