By: Modou Touray
The European Union Election Observation Mission (EU EOM) has deployed 16 long-term observers across The Gambia as part of efforts to monitor the country’s December 2026 presidential election.
The deployment was announced on Thursday, November 5, 2026, by the mission’s Chief Observer, Reinhold Lopatka, during a press conference at the EU EOM headquarters at Ocean Bay Hotel in Banjul.
Lopatka said the observers, drawn from 15 European Union member states and Switzerland, would monitor the electoral process throughout the country to contribute to an inclusive, credible and transparent election.
He disclosed that the mission’s Core Team of eight analysts had been deployed on October 21 to assess the electoral, legal and political framework, while monitoring traditional and online media, television and social media.
The Chief Observer added that the mission would be further strengthened shortly before election day with the arrival of 20 short-term observers, a delegation of seven Members of the European Parliament and locally recruited observers from diplomatic missions of EU member states and partner countries accredited to The Gambia.
According to him, the EU Election Observation Mission will remain in the country until December 21 to monitor the vote-counting process and the mechanisms for resolving electoral disputes.
Lopatka thanked the Gambian authorities for inviting the European Union to observe the presidential election, describing the invitation as a reflection of the longstanding partnership between The Gambia and the EU and their shared commitment to democratic values, peace and prosperity.
He noted that the European Union had observed all national elections in The Gambia since 2016 and had supported reforms aimed at strengthening independent institutions, promoting the rule of law and protecting human rights.
He said the 2026 presidential election presented another opportunity for the country to consolidate its democratic gains.
“Our mission’s presence throughout the whole country aims to contribute to an inclusive, credible and transparent election process,” he said, expressing hope that the campaign and election day would demonstrate democracy in action and allow all legitimate candidates to participate while voters freely exercise their choices.
Lopatka explained that the mission’s mandate was to assess the presidential election against The Gambia’s legal framework and the international and regional standards and commitments on democratic elections to which the country had subscribed.
He also clarified that EU Election Observation Missions do not certify or validate election results, stressing that this responsibility rests solely with the relevant national authorities, particularly the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC).
During his visit to Banjul, the Chief Observer said he had held consultations with the IEC, the Chief Justice, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, the National Human Rights Commission, political party representatives, media organisations, civil society groups, religious leaders and domestic election observers.
Lopatka said he would return to The Gambia in December and present the mission’s preliminary findings at a press conference two days after election day.
In his absence, he said, the Deputy Chief Observer and the rest of the mission team would continue the observation activities and remain available to respond to questions.
The Chief Observer further called for a peaceful and competitive electoral process, free from violence, where all opinions could be expressed and voters could freely choose their representatives.
He emphasised that the mission had only just commenced its work and that its conclusions would be made available at a later stage.
