(BRUSSELS) - The European Union has begun deploying an observer mission to Angola to monitor the first general elections there in 16 years, the bloc's executive arm said Friday.

An advance team of EU experts arrived in Angola on July 29. Almost half of the more than 90-strong mission will deploy before the September 5 polls, with the rest moving in around the time the vote is held.

EU External Relations Commissioner Benita Ferrero-Waldner noted that the elections are crucial to strengthening democracy in Angola, coming as they do after a civil war.

"It is fundamental that these legislative elections are conducted in a satisfactory manner and in line with international standards," she said.

Campaigning for the landmark legislative elections begins on Sunday.

Angola's Constitutional Court has cleared a total of 5,198 candidates who will contest 220 parliamentary seats in the elections.

The last polls 16 years ago were held during a lull in fighting between the former rebel movement UNITA, which will field candidates in September, and government forces.

Text and Picture Copyright 2008 AFP. All other Copyright 2008 EUbusiness Ltd. All rights reserved. This material is intended solely for personal use. Any other reproduction, publication or redistribution of this material without the written agreement of the copyright owner is strictly forbidden and any breach of copyright will be considered actionable.