The EU’s Chief Observer for next month’s elections in Honduras will be GUE/NGL MEP Marisa Matias.

Appointed by EU foreign policy chief, Federica Mogherini, Matias is the third woman in a row to have been given this position in the Parliament.

Those appointed as Chief Observer are judged to have the necessary parliamentary experience and impartiality for leading such a mission.

The general election on 26th November will comprise presidential, legislative and municipal and PARLACEN (Central American Parliament) votes, and Matias will be leading the EU’s Election observation mission (EOM) team.

Commenting on the appointment, the Portuguese MEP said:

“This is a crucial moment for democracy in Honduras.”

“Following the request by the Honduran authorities, the European Observation Mission will strive to assure a free, transparent and fair process – without interference.”

“I will assume all my responsibilities and every dimension related to this appointment. It is going to be a huge challenge but together with the observation team, we hope to provide all the necessary support to the electoral process,” she said.

Full details of Matias’s appointment by the EU External Action can be found here.