By Binta Jaiteh
Human Rights Committee and Regional Government Committee of Gambia National Assembly (NA) have jointly adjourned meeting with the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) and the Ministry of Justice (MOJ) on Elections Bill scrutiny prior to final legislation.
The Bill which was scheduled in the fourth ordinary session of the Assembly is expected to be considered on Friday.
Allagie Momarr Njie, Chairman of IEC said, this is along process and that the Commission has to pre plan thoroughly and, on behalf the Commission, requested the House (NA) to avail them ample time to peruse the Bill in question for two- day with NA members.
Sulayman Joof, IEC Director of Administration revealed that the non-appearance of the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of IEC before the joint committee meeting was that he was out of town. ‘Our verbal communication was to invite the members to extensively discuss the recommendations and also come up with a presentation that is ongoing at the moment is with the CEO’’, he confessed.
Regarding the meeting that day, according him, they were not in receipt of any correspondence from the CEO. “It was only today when I was informed and I rushed to the Chairman’s office and he said the same’’, he claimed.
Seedy Njie, Deputy Speaker of the NA referred to the table request by the Commission as unfavorable considering the legislative calendar of the Assembly. Optionally, the IEC can engage their parliament’s secretariat to choose a better date regarding meetings.
‘It is important to have a conclave to be able to quote details of the Bill and also your proposal. You don’t select dates on your own it may result to conflict. The assembly will be very engaged starting from Friday upwards’’, Deputy Speaker admonished.
Muhammed Kanteh, National Assembly Member (NAM) for Busumbala constituency observed that, it is better for the commission to say that, they are not prepared. And that the joint committee meeting was adjourned sine die.