The European Union will not send observers to the Republic of Congo to monitor the March 20 presidential election in the country, AFP reported on Sunday quoting a statement from the body.

The EU's decision came as it dismissed recent electoral reforms in the country, including the introduction of an independent electoral commission, as insufficient to guarantee a transparent vote.

"The current context does not allow ... the EU to envisage setting up an electoral observers' mission for the March 20 vote," a spokesman for the bloc's foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini said in the statement dated February 19.

The European Union said, "the reforms to the electoral law that were introduced in January 23 appear limited" and do not fulfil the recommendations made by an EU mission to the country.

The legal reform came after a new constitution removed barriers to President Denis Sassou-Nguesso extending his rule.

Constitutional court

The controversial new charter removed a 70-year age limit and a ban on presidents serving more than two terms.

It was approved by a referendum, but the opposition has dismissed it as "a constitutional coup".

The EU statement said that the electoral law changes lacked transparency and may bring "judicial insecurity and therefore do not appear to (guarantee) a democratic, inclusive and transparent presidential election"

Government spokesman Thierry Moungalla told the Associated Press that the EU was "free" not to send observers but that it would consequently be in no position to judge the vote.

"Whoever does not observe cannot judge," he said.

Presidential hopefuls had until Saturday to register their candidacies with the election commission. Some 12 candidates are now waiting for their files to be accepted by the constitutional court.

-Africa Review