By Landing Ceesay
The Commonwealth Election Observer Group (EOG) to The Gambia said the presidential election held on Saturday was ‘credible, transparent and inclusive’.
“It is the view of the Commonwealth Election Observer Group (EOG) that this election was conducted in a credible, transparent and inclusive manner. We congratulate and commend the people of the Gambia for reaffirming their faith in the principles of democracy. Despite the various areas where we have recommended improvements for future elections, it is our considered assessment that they did not materially affect the conduct of this election,” His Excellency Olusegun Obasanjo, former President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and also head of Commonwealth Election Observer Group said.
The head of Commonwealth EOG said the Commonwealth will remain engaged with the people of the Gambia in the journey to support all efforts in consolidating their democracy.
“The Gambia’s Unique marble voting system has once again allowed all Gambians who voted to do so in a transparent manner. While we note that there are different views on the value of this system, we, therefore, urge further dialogue to ensure that all Gambians are able to reflect thoroughly on this, as well as other areas, within the context of the unimplemented reforms that will need to be addressed in the next electoral cycle,” H.E Obasanjo said.
The head of the Commonwealth Election Observer Group on Sunday made these remarks at a press briefing at the Sir Dawda Kairaba Jawara Conference Centre.