The Chief European Union (EU) Election Observer to The Gambia, Miroslav Poche, has commended the efforts made by The Gambian government in improving the judicial system and press freedom in the country.
He stated that the reforms are in line with the recommendations made in September 2017.
‘’We are optimistic, if I may say that for example that the judicial system and the field of freedom of the speech have done a lot,” Mr. Poche said, stating that more is expected to be done once the on-going constitutional review process is completed.
Poche made the remarks on Thursday after his audience with President Adama Barrow on Wednesday.
He said his team is in the Gambia to follow up on the recommendations that came up in the EU Electoral Observatory Report of September 2017.
According to him, the recommendations addressed pertinent political and civic issues that would be instrumental for the next election cycle in 2021, such as women participation in elections, campaign financing, the roles of the civil society and the media, among others.
The EU envoy expressed hope that the on-going constitutional review process will take into account some of the key recommendations from the report.
‘’We had very open discussions’’ he said of their discussion with President Barrow. ‘’We discussed in details the proposals and preparation of the new constitution.
“We mentioned some of our recommendations concerning women’s participation or voter participation in the country. We are still fully committed to The Gambia during this transition period.’’
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