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Momodou
Denmark
11745 Posts |
 Posted - 18 Jan 2007 : 14:49:31
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Foroyaa Editorial
THE INDEPENDENT CANDIDATES AND THE IEC
The Election's Decree is clear on the status of Independent Candidates. Section 60 of the constitution states that "No association, other than a political party registered under or pursuant to an Act of the National Assembly, shall sponsor candidates in public elections."
The Election's Decree as amended adds in Section 104 that "(1)The conduct of elections to an elective office in accordance with the Constitution and this Decree shall be based on party politics (2) Notwithstanding subsection (1), any person who is qualified to be registered as a voter under the Constitution and this Decree may contest as an independent candidate in any election."
This confirms that an independent candidate has the right to stand and canvass for material and moral support from anyone.
Hence the IEC officials should not give the impression that an independent candidate cannot receive the support of the party leaders or anyone to work towards victory. This freedom to represent or be represented is reflected under Section 26 (a) of the constitution "Every citizen of The Gambia of full age and capacity shall have the right, without unreasonable restrictions - (a) to take part in the conduct of public affairs, directly or through freely chosen representatives". It is therefore the duty of the IEC to protect all candidates.
Foroyaa Newspaper Burning Issue
Issue No.007/2007, 17-18 January, 2007
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A clear conscience fears no accusation - proverb from Sierra Leone |
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