The Gambia's commitment to democracy and its belief in the electoral process is admirable, Commonwealth Observer Group chairperson Dr Salim Ahmed Salim has said.
"These are strong foundations on which to build, maintain and strengthen a politically stable society," he noted in a departure statement issued in the country's capital Banjul on 29 September 2006.
Stating that the Group was impressed by the performance of Gambia's Independent Electoral Commission, Dr Salim reiterated that the people of the West African country had expressed their will and the result reflected their wishes.
However, the Group said it would have liked to see "a more level playing field and a more restrained utilisation of the advantages of incumbency".
The Group has concluded its final report detailing its recommendations on the electoral process. It will be presented to Commonwealth Secretary-General Don McKinnon who will then send it to all the stakeholders in The Gambia and Commonwealth governments.
Yahya Jammeh was re-elected for another five years as president of The Gambia after winning almost three-quarters of the vote in the election on 22 September.
These are observations during elections day and a week to go by Dr, Salim. However what about the problems at the IEC culminating to firing and detentions etc and the incumbent decides and elects its Chairman among other weaknesses. Does the incumbent deserve the verdict under free and fair elections" theory or tests of "Fair levelling of the field" for all opponents.
However interesting reading and opinions under these links:
DECREE 45 is invoked above and don't know why the activities of IEC and NIA is not subjected to Public Accountability through the house and legislative members? Do we still need DECREES OR DECRIES certain activities of Law Enforcement Agents and Agency?
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Posted - 05 Oct 2006 : 00:21:51
