The Gambia: The European Union deploys an Election Observation Mission

In response to an invitation from the Gambian authorities, an EU Election Observation Mission (EU EOM) will be deployed to observe the presidential election scheduled for 5 December 2026. The High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas has appointed Reinhold Lopatka, Member of the European Parliament, as Chief Observer. Reinhold Lopatka stated: “It is a privilege to have been appointed Chief Observer of the EU Election Observation Mission to The Gambia. The upcoming presidential election represents an opportunity to further build on the democratic progress of the country in recent years. As Chief Observer of this Mission, I look forward to engaging with national authorities, presidential candidates, Gambian civil society and the other key stakeholders in the electoral process.” Background The EU EOM will provide a comprehensive, independent, and impartial assessment of the electoral process based on The Gambia’s national legal framework as well as international and regional standards for democratic elections that the country has committed to. In late October, nine analysts specialising in distinct aspects of the electoral process, collectively referred to as the Core Team, will arrive in The Gambia. In early November, 16 Long-Term Observers will join the mission and deploy across the country, followed by 20 Short-Term Observers and several Locally Recruited Short-Term Observers from the diplomatic community closer to election day. A Delegation of seven Members of the European Parliament will further strengthen the EU EOM. All observers of the EU EOM are from EU member states and its partner countries, Canada, Switzerland, Norway and the United Kingdom. In line with the EU’s methodology on election observation, the mission will issue a preliminary statement and hold a press conference two days after election day. A final report, including recommendations for future electoral processes, will be presented and shared with stakeholders once the electoral process has been completed.