The European Union Election Observation Mission (EU EOM) has deployed 16 long-term observers across Gambia to monitor the country's December 5 presidential election. The observers, from 15 EU member states and Switzerland, will cover different parts of the country, engaging with local election officials, political candidates, and civil society organisations to assess the electoral environment. This move is part of the EU's efforts to contribute to an inclusive, credible, and transparent electoral process in Gambia.
The deployment was announced on November 5 at a press conference held at the mission's headquarters in Banjul. Chief Observer Reinhold Lopatka, a Member of the European Parliament, expressed appreciation to the Gambian authorities for inviting the EU to observe the elections. He described the December polls as an opportunity for Gambia to further strengthen its democracy and hoped to observe an election campaign and election day that would allow legitimate candidates to contest and voters to freely express their choices.
The EU mission's Core Team, comprising eight analysts and supported by operational, logistics, and security experts, arrived in Banjul on October 21 to assess the political, legal, and electoral framework. The team has been evaluating traditional and social media coverage, and the long-term observers will build on this work. Lopatka said the mission would be reinforced shortly before election day with 20 short-term observers, a delegation of seven Members of the European Parliament, and locally recruited observers from EU member states and partner diplomatic missions.
The EU election observation mission does not certify or validate election results, as this remains the responsibility of the relevant national authorities, particularly the Independent Electoral Commission. The mission will remain in Gambia until the completion of the electoral process. Lopatka is expected to return in December to present the mission's preliminary findings at a press conference two days after election day.
Over 1.1 million Gambians are set to vote in the December presidential election. The election is seen as a significant event in Gambia's democratic development. The EU's presence aims to support the country's efforts to hold a free and fair election. The long-term observers will provide valuable insights into the electoral process, helping to identify areas for improvement.
The deployment of EU observers has been welcomed by the Gambian authorities, who see it as a demonstration of the country's commitment to transparency and accountability. The EU has a long history of supporting democratic development in Gambia and has provided significant assistance to the country's electoral commission in the past.
The EU mission's findings will be presented in a preliminary report after the election, followed by a final report that will provide more detailed recommendations for improving the electoral process in Gambia. The mission's work will contribute to the country's ongoing efforts to strengthen its democracy and ensure that future elections are free, fair, and transparent.
Key points
- The EU has deployed 16 long-term observers across Gambia to monitor the country's December 5 presidential election.
- The observers will engage with local election officials, political candidates, and civil society organisations to assess the electoral environment.
- The EU mission will remain in Gambia until the completion of the electoral process, presenting its preliminary findings in December.
