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Momodou
Denmark
11841 Posts |
 Posted - 11 Sep 2006 : 22:17:52
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Foroyaa Editorial
The Public Service and Political Activities
Many employees of the public service are now actively engaged in campaigning for the APRC contrary to the requirement of the constitution as is evident in the leading article published in this edition of FOROYAA. Some NGOs that are supposed to serve the people irrespective of their political inclination are also involved in the campaign.
According to paragraph 13 of Section 222 of the Constitution “A person holding an office in a public service or any disciplined force shall not –
(a) allow his or her political inclinations to interfere with the discharge of his or her official duties;
(b) be a member of, or take part in any association of persons which might prevent him or her from impartially discharging his or her duties; or
(c) take part in any activities which cast doubt on his or her capacity to deal impartially with matters or issues which are the concern of his or her public office or which interfere with the performance of his or her public duties.”
The report published in this edition exposes the use of vehicles owned by parastatals and NGOs, the pasting of photographs on these vehicles and official premises, the wearing of APRC caps, T-Shirts and other apparels.
This is a clear violation of the constitution and against the letter and spirit of the Memorandum of Understanding between political parties. It impinges of the credibility of the election.
On the other hand, after days of objective and balanced reporting and display of professionalism in fulfillment of its constitutional and legal obligation GRTS seems to be losing its steps and sliding backwards. In the past three days it has been carrying two or three news reports for Yahya Jammeh (the APRC presidential candidates) but only one news report for each of the other presidential candidates. Moreover, the civic and voter education programme has not been broadcast for the past three days now. Why?
The IEC and election observers should take note.
Source: Foroyaa Newspaper Burning Issue
Issue No. 76/2006, 11-12 September, 2006
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