By: Mariama Njie
Gambia Participates, a civil rights group, has urged public officials to abstain from using State resources amid political campaign it is parts of the key recommendations ahead of the December poll.
In spite of completed nomination, the civil rights group said Independent Electoral Commission should provide a projection screen outside the nomination tent and an audible PA system to increase transparency of the nomination process.
“The public scrutiny of candidates’ nomination documents is a progressive move by the IEC, we recommend that the IEC increase the number of times allocated to individuals to vet nomination documents from 5 to 10 minutes, Gambia Participates recommends that the IEC provide an “usher” who could guide interested citizens to a particular candidate’s application documents during the period for public scrutiny,” the group said.
It urged political parties and candidates to intensify calls for a peaceful election, and take action against supporters who are not calm, adding that they should not exercise restraint and tolerance during political campaigns and on their social media platforms.
“Candidates and political parties must raise the flag against risky car rallies and call on their supporters not to overload vehicles. Political parties should sensitize their supporters on the importance of respecting the rule of law and democracy and ensure that rallies and campaigns are done within the confines of the law.
“Citizens should wear facemasks, get vaccinated and hydrate themselves at all times during campaign period because the COVID-19 pandemic is not over and will likely become more dangerous during the campaign period,” the group added.
The group also urged citizens not to sell their voter’s card to anyone, that vote buying is an act of electoral fraud and punishable under the laws of The Gambia. Citizens must obtain evidence of those responsible for vote buying and immediately report it to the IEC. Citizens should refrain from publishing untrue and uncorroborated information.
Security personnel must continue to provide adequate protection to all candidates without prejudice and must respect the rights of citizens and abstain from using excessive force against citizens. Public officials must abstain from using public resources during political campaigns as mandated by Section 91 of the Elections Act and must not coerce subordinates into supporting any political party or engaging in any form of campaigning within their offices,” it said.
