EU Election Observation Mission Starts Work

By Buba Gagigo

The European Union Election Observation Mission (EUEOM) last weekend began work on the Gambia’s much anticipated December presidential election.

“We’ve deployed 16 long-term observers throughout the different regions of The Gambia. We observe and analyse the whole electoral process, including the legal framework, electoral administration, voter registration, nominations, campaigning, the conduct of the media, voting and the counting, the tabulation of results and dispute resolution mechanisms,” said the Chief Observer Neuser said in a statement.

Norbert Neuser, a German and Member of the European Parliament is leading the EU Mission as its Chief Observer and had already met with different stakeholders including candidates, civil society groups, and the EU delegation to The Gambia, the statement added.

“After several meetings in Banjul yesterday, I hope all sides are committed to conducting the upcoming election according to the Gambian law and regulations as well as international standards. Our long-term observers are following the electoral process in all 7 administrative areas since last weekend. They have already met various stakeholders to inform our observation,” said the Chief Observer

The statement continued that around Election Day an additional 38 short-term observers would reinforce the Observation Mission, which would have around 70 observers and analysts on the ground. 

The EU Mission undertakes its work in accordance with the Declaration of Principles for International Election Observation.

It would publish its initial findings in a preliminary statement, which would be presented at a press conference shortly after Election Day; before a final report with recommendations to all stakeholders would be presented at a later stage, according to the statement.

The EU Election Observation Mission (EUEOM) is independent from any EU institutions or Member States or government institutions and is committed to remaining neutral and abiding by the Declaration of Principles for International Election Observation and the Code of Conduct, as well as the laws of The Gambia.