By Mustapha Jarju
The International (IDEA) has again had dialogue with politicians, journalists, traditional rulers, religious leaders and civil society organisations on the value of the code of conduct and how to mitigate the risks of electoral violence in the upcoming parliamentary and local government elections, the dialogue was held at the Sir Dawda Kairaba International Conference Center, Bijilo.
Speaking at the event, Mohammed Ibn Chambas, former Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Head of the United Nations Office for West Africa and the Sahel (UNOWAS) urged the Independent Electoral Commission to ensure credible and transparent parliamentary elections.
“The IEC and the IPC should work in the spirit of ensuring that fair play will prevail so that all those who would wish to be candidates for the National Assembly elections will have the opportunity to do that. The condition should be there to ensure that there is a level playing field for all the candidates,” he said.
He disclosed that IDEA has undertaken the responsibility to be available to play a role along with the IPC and civil society to ensure a continued effort to ensure the parliamentary campaign and elections are conducted in a peaceful manner in the spirit of national unity.
Mr Chambas encouraged “The CSOs and the media should ensure all the candidates focus on what is their intent and plans for their constituencies and how to impact lives in their constituencies and avoid utterances that will divide this country. We want to see a united Gambia.”
President, Muhammad S. Bah, President of The Gambia Press Union commended journalists for their work during and after the presidential elections. He recalled their efforts in ensuring the public gets the right information.
“On the day of the election, journalists were busy fact-checking fake news that was circulating on social media which was very unique,” Bah said.
Babucarr Nyang, a youth activist, called on the government to recognize the efforts of the youth in the presidential election. He said the youth came out in their numbers to vote and maintain peace during and after the election; therefore, the government should include them in any development that they are doing.
