BRUSSELS, 08 October 2021, (TON): In response to an invitation by the Independent Electoral Commission of the Republic of The Gambia, the European Union will deploy an EU Election Observation Mission (EOM) to observe the presidential election scheduled for 4 December 2021.

Josep Borrell, High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice-President of the European Commission, has appointed Mr Norbert Neuser, Member of the European Parliament, as Chief Observer.

High Representative/Vice-President Josep Borrell said “anchoring the democratic change that the Gambian people achieved in 2017 continues to be on top of the EU agenda. This will be the first EU mission to observe a presidential election in The Gambia and its deployment reaffirms our commitment to supporting the consolidation of democracy.

Under the leadership of Chief Observer Mr Neuser, the EU EOM will provide an independent, evidence-based assessment of the electoral process and work together with Gambian citizens to consolidate the democratic advancements.”

The Chief Observer, Mr Neuser, said “I believe it is crucial for the European Union to accompany these presidential elections in The Gambia. I am confident that citizens will actively scrutinize the process and I trust that state authorities, political parties and all candidates will play their part in promoting a peaceful and credible election.”