BY MOHAMED KARGBO
European Union’s election observers’ chief Norbert Neuser, has said that voters were left confused over inaccurate and misleading information on social media.
Norbert Neuser who was speaking at a press briefing held at the Ocean Bay Hotel on Monday ability to raise concerns and voice opinions openly have been improved, but the same thing cannot be said of the media, which has continued to face severe restrictions as far as freedom of expression is concerned and it is the “legal framework’’ that has made it so.
According to him there was not enough space for an open and frank debate owing to defamatory comments on political platforms.
Meanwhile, he said the political process was inclusive and vibrant and freedom generally was largely respected, adding that they observed an advantage for the incumbent, but unlevelled playing field was provided for the opposing candidates while highlighted the lacked of campaign finance regulation, which he said has ‘’led to the monetization of the campaign.’’
Giving an overview of the conduct and outcome of the entire electoral process, he said EU observers reported from 128 polling stations in rural and urban areas in all 7 administrative areas and the Election Day was found to be peaceful, while polling officials carried out the process professionally.
The election observer chief disclosed some procedural gaps during voting and counting, which he said, if not addressed, could provide the possibility for misuse in the future.
He added that ‘‘the tabulation was accessible and results were announced progressively by constituencies which promoted transparency although disaggregated polling station results were not published.”
Mr. Norbert disclosed that Observers noted positively the transparency of the voting and counting process On Election Day and commended Gambians for the high turnout which he said showed their strong desire to be part of the democratic process by participating in the Presidential Election and in great numbers.
He advised that ‘’structural deficiencies and critical procedure and legal gaps require fundamental reform’’ adding that the EU EOM would return to The Gambia to publish and present its final report including recommendations to contribute to improving upcoming elections.