By Landing Ceesay
Peace Ambassadors- The Gambia (PAG) has disclosed its findings on the just concluded nomination process of presidential aspirants.
The PAG deployed an individual to observe the nomination process from 30th October to 6th November 2021 at the IEC headquarters in Kanifing.
“The PAG observer reported that the IEC office opened on time daily with the returning officer and other IEC officials present to receive nomination papers. The observer also noted the space between where observers were seated and the IEC tent where the nomination papers were submitted. This prevented observers from generally observing which documents were being submitted in the package. The observer reported that no aspirant was prevented from submitting their nomination papers.
“In instances where some aspirants did not submit all the legal requirements as outlined by the electoral laws of the Gambia, the IEC provided them with the opportunity to resubmit a complete nomination package. PAG witnessed a total of 23 aspirants submitting nomination papers, out of which only one was female,” Babucarr Sambou President of PAG told the journalists at a press conference on Monday.
PAG President further stated that their observer reported that the Covid-19 safety regulations were implemented throughout the process; adding that facemasks, hand sanitizers and handwashing buckets were available for all who entered the IEC Election House.
Peace Ambassadors- The Gambia (PAG) is an international peace education and advocacy organisation operating in The Gambia and beyond, since 2001, focusing mainly on peace, education, conflict resolution, youth and civic empowerment.