By Binta Jaiteh
The European Union has sent 16 long-term observers to The Gambia with a task to analyze and assist the electoral process of the country ahead of December 4 presidential elections.
Speaking to reporters at Ocean Bay, in Cape Town, Norbert Neuser, EU Chief Observer said: “the EU Election Observation Mission to The Gambia has been deployed at the invitation of the Independent Electoral Commission of The Gambia and arrived in 27th October, in Banjul.”
“The emission will observe and assess the Presidential Election against national law. And obligations for democratic elections deriving from international and regional human rights instrument The Gambia and has committed to as well as good practices for democratic elections,” he added.
“We’ve deployed 16 long -term observers throughout different regions of The Gambia and we observe analysis of the whole electoral process including the legal framework, electoral administration, voter registration, nomination and campaigning. We will observe the pre- election phase as well as the voting, counting and tabulation process while noting that the EU EOM will provide a comprehensive assessment of the entire electoral process and provide recommendations for future elections,” he explained.
According to him, they will stick strictly to their mandate of non-interference and neutrality as their mission here is to contribute with impartial and objective assessment.
On Election Day, he added, additional 38 short-term observers will reinforce the EU observation mission in the country.
All EU EOM observers are bound by a code of conduct which requires strict neutrality and non- interference, the EU Mission undertakes its work in accordance with the Declaration of Principles for International Election Observation, he said.
However, it will publish its initial findings in a preliminary statement which will be presented at a press conference shortly after Election Day. Final report with recommendations to all stakeholders will be presented at a later stage.