21/03/2017 (Agence Europe) – Miroslav Poche MEP (S&D, Czech Republic) will head the EU electoral observation mission (EOM-EU) for the general elections in Gambia on 6 April (see EUROPE 11748). In a press release published on Monday evening 20 March, Federica Mogherini, the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, emphasised, that following the presidential elections in January, “the upcoming parliamentary elections on 6 April will be a new opportunity for the citizens of The Gambia to express their political will”. She said that she was confident that, “the EU EOM will provide an important contribution to the further strengthening of democratic institutions". Mr Poche said that, “I trust all stakeholders will contribute to ensure that the upcoming elections will be peaceful, transparent and inclusive". The EOM-EU set up at the request of the Gambian authorities will work in cooperation with other international observers. (AN)