EU Hopeful That All Legitimate Candidates Will Be Allowed To Contest

The European Union Election Observation Mission has expressed its desire and hope to see that all legitimate candidates are allowed to contest Gambia’s 5 December presidential election.

Chief Observer Reinhold Lopatka made the statement at the formal launch of the mission yesterday at Ocean Bay Hotel, Bakau.

“I hope to observe an election campaign and election day that shows democracy in action across The Gambia, allowing all legitimate candidates to stand and voters to express their choices freely,” Lopatka said.

Lopatka did not name any candidate but his remark landed at a moment of intense debate over the eligibility of candidates, including Kanifing Mayor Talib Ahmed Bensouda.

He said the EU mission wants to observe a competitive process, free from violence, where all opinions can be expressed and voters are able to freely choose their representatives.

Since 2016, the EU has observed all national elections in The Gambia and supported reforms to strengthen independent institutions, bolster the rule of law and protect human rights.

“The 2026 presidential election is an opportunity for The Gambia to continue to strengthen its democracy,” he said.

That opportunity, he made clear, depends on inclusion, credibility and transparency.

Lopatka added that the EU observers do not certify or validate election results.

“That remains the sovereign responsibility of the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC).”

He said the mission will assess the election against The Gambia’s legal framework and the international and reegional standards the country has adhered to.

Lopatka revealed that the Core Team of eight analysts deployed on 21 October is assessing the electoral, legal and political framework, and monitoring print and online media, TV and social media.

“They have now been joined by 16 long-term observers from 15 EU countries and Switzerland, deployed nationwide on 5 November.”

He said before Election Day, 20 short-term observers, a delegation of seven Members of the European Parliament, and locally recruited observers from EU Member States’ and partners’ diplomatic missions will join them.

“The mission will stay until 21 December to observe the tally and electoral dispute resolution.”

Lopatka said since arriving in Banjul he has met the IEC, the Chief Justice, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, the National Human Rights Commission, political parties, media, civil society, religious leaders and domestic observers.

He will return in December to present preliminary findings two days after Election Day.