05/12/2016 (Agence Europe) – On Saturday 3 December, the EU praised the way in which the presidential elections took place on 1 December in Gambia and the democratic change that has occurred. Adama Barrow was declared the winner and the outgoing President, Yahya Jammeh, who has been in power for 22 years, acknowledged his defeat. The EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Federica Mogherini, and the Commissioner for International Cooperation and Development, Neven Mimica, stated in a joint press release that, “Gambian voters have expressed their will to see a change of leadership. The European Union wishes to commend the commitment of the Gambian population to democratic principles. President Jammeh's swift acceptance of the result is a further signal of strengthening democracy in Gambia”. The European Union stands ready to fully support the new government and people “on the path of democratic reforms”, which the President-elect has promised. (AN)