By Buba Gagigo
Gambia Participates has urged the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) to stay proactive, transparent, and responsive throughout the electoral process for the upcoming Masembeh by-election on 22nd February. The call was made in a position paper shared with Kerr Fatou.
“While the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) has assured the public of its readiness, experience has shown that even well-prepared electoral bodies can encounter challenges in the electoral cycle and election day itself. Issues such as late deployment of materials, inconsistent application of electoral laws, election-related violence, and vote-buying have been observed in past elections, with little accountability. To prevent such occurrences, Gambia Participates urges the IEC to remain proactive, transparent, and responsive throughout the process,” the organization stated.
As part of their election observation mission, Gambia Participates emphasized their commitment to providing accurate updates on the electoral process. They will focus on key areas including the opening of polling stations, voter turnout and participation, adherence to electoral procedures and laws, incidents of irregularities like voter intimidation or electoral malpractice, the counting and declaration of results, and any critical incidents.
“To achieve this, Gambia Participates will deploy a short-term election observation mission across all four polling stations in Massembeh ward as roving observers. Using a standard checklist, our observers will provide real-time reports to ensure that voters, political parties, and stakeholders receive accurate and unbiased information about the election’s conduct,” they added.
Gambia Participates has also called on all relevant parties to contribute to ensuring a credible and peaceful election. Below are their key recommendations:
1. IEC must ensure the timely deployment of election materials and personnel, maintain open communication with stakeholders, and act swiftly to address any arising challenges.
2. Security agencies must be adequately deployed across polling stations and remain professional, neutral, and vigilant. Security forces should ensure a peaceful environment and protect the rights of voters, observers, and the media. The professional deployment and conduct of security personnel is key to maintaining calm and order.
3. Political parties, candidates, and supporters must commit to peaceful participation, avoid provocative rhetoric, and reject any form of vote-buying or electoral malpractice.In its concluding remarks, Gambia Participates cautioned all stakeholders against engaging in vote-buying, emphasizing that it is a punishable election offence under Gambian law.
In its concluding remarks, Gambia Participates cautioned all stakeholders against engaging in vote-buying, emphasizing that it is a punishable election offence under Gambian law.
“Vote buying is an election offence which is punishable under the laws of The Gambia. The integrity of this election depends on fair play from all actors. Voters in Massembeh ward are encouraged to turn out and exercise their democratic right to vote and remain peaceful and vigilant throughout the process. Their voices matter, and their votes will determine the leadership of their community,” they said.
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