We voted in local government elections on Saturday to complete the electoral cycle that has seen the conclusion of the presidential and National Assembly elections in 2021 and 2022 respectively.
We commend all the candidates for the conduct of a free, fair campaign and voting. We also congratulate the winner and encourage the losers to try hard net time.
This final voting by Gambians has witnessed a balance of power with great disappointment to the government due to their failures in Banjul, KMC, and West Coast Region.
A joint statement by observers which include the National Human Rights Commission, Election Response Group, and WANEP The Gambia on the Mayoral and Chairperson Elections revealed that at several polling stations in Banjul, there were allegations of voter inducement by the National People’s Party supporters.
Another statement from Gambia Participates also disclosed that thirty –six (36) percent of its election observer team witnessed the active participation of public servants in campaigns during the just concluded Chairmanship and Mayoral elections.
Where did the money used for voter inducement by the National People’s Party supporters, because the party congress there was no financial made public.
With the economic downturn, money is used for inducement meaning the worst is on the way and we need to get it clear that it will not be only for the opposition but for Gambians and anyone living in the country.
It has been reported that 28% of Long Term Observers witnessed the use of public resources/properties during political activities and these were most prevalent in Banjul Central, Banjul South, Niamina Dankunku, Niamina West, Serekunda West, Kiang East, Central Baddibu, Illiasa, Lower Baddibu, Sabach Sanjal, Foni Bintang, Foni Jarrol, Kombo East, Kombo South, and Kiang Central Constituencies. We call on the IEC to investigate and come out with a position.
