By: Kemo Kanyi
The European Union Observer Mission to the Gambia’s 2021 presidential election has recommended changes to the legal instruments in the legislative agenda to achieve the advancement of the rights of political participation in the country as part of the twenty recommendations it made during a press conference that was held at the Coco Ocean Hotel in Bijilo on Thursday, 14th November 2024.
The Chief of Mission, Norbert Neuser, commenting on the implementation status of the recommendations said: ‘’While none of the recommendations has yet been implemented in full, it is positive to note there are several legal instruments on the legislative agenda which, if enacted and enforced, could represent progress in the advancement of the rights of political participation. In addition to the draft constitutional and electoral reform bills, these include the Personal Data Protection and Privacy Bill, 2024.”
Mr. Neuser added that it is important to make progress on these measures in a transparent and consultative manner. ‘’Two years remain in which the electoral reforms can be undertaken in advance before the next presidential election. Implementation of the recommendations offered by the EU Election Observer Mission, particularly the seven priority ones, would greatly enhance the integrity, legitimacy, and credibility of the electoral process,’’ he underscored.
He went on to say that as the ‘’Elections Bill, 2022’’, remains on the legislative agenda, there is now an important opportunity for renewal of the social contract between the people of The Gambia and their elected leaders through these parallel reform processes, which can enhance the conduct of future elections.
The EU Election Observer Mission chief also reaffirmed the EU’s continued support of democracy and good governance in The Gambia by including to stakeholders in their efforts to promote all related reforms.
