By Binta Jaiteh
National Assembly members (NAMs), with the political parties are still having discussion on the election bill as their views and opinions regarding the bill matter.
Lawyer Ousainu Darboe , leader of united Democratic Party noted that the Diaspora had contributed a lot in the development of this country
He added that laws made should be implemented without doing so is like of no use to the Gambians
“We want IEC to build an association that is not owned by anyone and conducting grit affairs in partial “
I don’t think IEC will soil their integrity to receive grants from UDP because if UDP give donation to IEC is like you are implying that we are friends take care of me.
“Clause (10) the commission shall for the purpose of voter registration election or referendum derives The Gambia in administrative area or any order law.
‘Am confused with this any law because is probably a tautology.
Clause (13) which talks of qualification for voting and registration in a foreign country.
I want to make this appeal that the law should not just me made and not implemented.
He said, Already the government has accepted that the diaspora are the 8 region and they should be the 8th administrative region.
We have to invest in our democracy, Gambian diaspora has contributed immensely to The Gambia.
“They should have a say in the government which govern the affairs of the states, they should be given the teeth to bite.
Honorable Mai Fatty, GMC leader said, we should look at the objective of the country because it is very easy to have birth certificate in The Gambia.
In the purpose of election is going to be a piece of paper.
He further said voters’ cards should be defined to avoid faceless ID cards.
We do away with birth certificate because they are subjected to fraud and easily abuse.
He said page (19) clause (28) deals on court issues and the general spirit is expedition , how we get processes expedited in such a manner that delay will not result to any harm on individuals.
Amadou Kah, GPDP representative said, the diaspora people should be given the right to vote because they contribute their resources to the countries affairs.
He explained that the chairperson of the IEC should be the one to debate the election results.
Political parties should not use state resources for elections matters. He added
“I’m surprised that an elder is telling people not to go against the government.
The IEC should help us in voter compilation it will help the parties in disposal.
Lamin Dibba, NCP representative said this is an important process it is a document that will guide through our election.
He said every party should take this seriously as their views and opinions will play critical role.
He added that, anything that goes beyond their opportunity will not be there and we should effectively participate now.
He stated that, Section (13) clearly indicates that in the absence of this document birth certificate, ID card and passport attestation if an alkalo certify it he or she is sufficient
“This I believe in accordance with local government act on the ground are given the mandate to act on behave of the general citizenry “
He said the Diaspora voting is very important because the constitution guarantees every Gambia to vote.
But of course this goes with a cost and is beyond our disposal in this forthcoming election.
Sam Sarr PDOIS information secretary noted that referendum may be of interest to civil society and polling agents can include CSoS.
“IEC cannot be a polling agents and conducting elections at the same time that is inappropriate”
Basically, We should not sell out sovereignty just to conduct election adding that citizens have the right to vote and their votes should be protected.
He argued that, “We totally opposed the postponed of the diaspora voting and I urge the government and IEC to re check this decision.”
However, 1.87 million dollars contributed annually by the diaspora and they have the right to vote.