By: Haruna Kuyateh
The Independent Electoral Commission with funding from European support to ECOWAS Peace, Security and Stability Mandate Program in the Gambia conducted two days sensitization for politicians and stakeholders on electoral reform agenda designed on ballot papers
The chairman of IEC reiterated that the commission is fully committed of migrating from ballot tokens to ballot papers in 2021 elections, while he guide participants on how to use paper ballot system for voting at the end of two days consultative training for stakeholders and political parties in Njawara.
This nationwide sensitization is crucial as IEC is working with stakeholders on reform process, Alh. Alieu Momarr Njai chairman of IEC told participants at Njawara Agricultural Training Centre North Bank Region on Monday.
Chairman Njia stated that the ongoing reform process call for collective efforts from all stakeholders, revealing that IEC is migrating from ballot tokens to paper ballots.
According to him, the rationale behind the ballot papers is to enable IEC conduct two or more elections at the same times, as it will help to safe cost and time.
He also said the process is transparent and renewed, and he calls Gambians to support the initiative and the adoption of the reform process.
He said the IEC will continue to consolidate the gains made in the past elections to boost sound democratic culture based on the right of the citizens to participate in the development and to maintain free, fair and transparent electoral system.
Meanwhile, chairman Njai reiterated that the consultative meeting would provide space for citizenry to exercise their franchise by holding diverse political opinions, associate freely without undue hindrance and regularly elect their representatives in genuine elections, and in an atmosphere of peace and tolerance.
Commenting on demarcation of various electoral areas, he said IEC boundaries are fundamental to peace, stability and progress to allow peoples to exercise their rights and by extension commensurate with international standard.
He added that IEC will encourage people to associate freely and hold political opinion without undue hindrance and to elect representatives in free and fair elections.
Chairman Njai pointed out that Gambia’s has registered significant strife in opening up avenues for popular participation and representation, saying that this can only be consolidated with full and active participation in the electoral cycles.
He hailed the 10 registered political parties for embracing inter party committee and in popularizing the MOU.
Claude Kondor Political Adviser to the Special Representative of ECOWAS, to the Gambia noted that the commission will support this noble crusade to gather information from stakeholders and political parties to promote good governance and rule of law.
“The process would contribute to consolidate the democratic process and contribute to the maintenance of peace and stability,” Kondor added.
Malamin IL Bojang chairman of Kerewan Area Council commended IEC for conducting credible elections and upholding the outcome of 2016 Presidential Election.
Samboujang Njie IEC Chief Electoral Officer underscored the importance of electoral boundaries demarcation, noting that it will promote representation and to ensure credibility of the electoral process and democratic principles.
He commended the participants for their commitment and support to IEC, citing the identification of Illiasa, Lower and Upper Nuimi for demarcation of boundaries.
Michelle Mendy lady Councilor for Lower Nuimi, called on political parties to provide quota system to allow women to effectively participate and contest for political positions.
She also thanked IEC for the anticipation of organizing the consultative and noted that the document will demonstrate the true reflection of the people’s.
Yaya Fofana a representative of PDOIS hailed IEC for the support to Inter Party Committee in promoting political tolerance, democratic principles and rest for rule of law.
He noted that extending voting to Gambian in the Diaspora will help them to exercise their franchise.
