英语文摘:EU sends election observers to Uganda ahead of Feb. 18 polls

KAMPALA, Jan. 8 (Xinhua) -- The European Union (EU) has sent a team of election observers to Uganda ahead of the Feb. 18 presidential, parliamentary and local council polls.

The Election Observation Mission (EOM), according to a statement issued on Friday comprises of 120 observers who will be deployed in different parts of the country.

"I am honored to lead a mission that will observe the 2016 Elections, which will be pivotal for the country's future," said Eduard Kukan, head of the EOM.

Seven people are vying for the presidency but the contest is expected to be between incumbent President Yoweri Museveni, former Prime Minister Amama Mbabazi and Kizza Besigye of the opposition Forum for Democratic Change.

The election process has already been marred by violence with some deaths and injuries reported.

Government this week warned that those responsible for the violence will face legal consequences.