IEC begins training party reps on electoral process

By Aminata Camara The Independent Electoral Commission on Tuesday began a three-day intensive training for political parties on the upcoming National Assembly elections slated for 6th April, 2017. The three days enhancement training was held at TANGO conference Hall, Bertil Harding Highway. Speaking at the event, Chairman of the IEC Alieu Momarr Njai, said the training is aimed at sensitizing the political parties and candidates on their roles and responsibilities in the electoral process. “I must first of all thank you the political parties for participating very well in the December 1 presidential election. You played your role very well and I hope that this same spirit will continue in the upcoming elections. “The nomination of candidates was done peacefully. The way and manner in which the contesting candidates, political parties and their supporters and the general public comported themselves was the envy of all,” he said. “I thank you very much once again for exhibiting such high level of maturity and tolerance. This goes to say that despite the fact we may have divergent views or different political ideologies, we are one and the same people,”he added, “the Independent Electoral Commission was established under section 42 of the 1997 constitution of the republic of the Gambia. It operates under the motto ‘Fair play, Integrity and Transparency’ which ideals it has lived up to over the years. According to him, the mission of the commission is “to provide the Gambian people with an independent and efficient electoral process that is based on fairness, transparency and trust and supported by competent staff for the democratic conduct of all public elections and referenda. Furthermore, the commission is committed to maintaining a credible voter register and carrying out continuous voter education. And the vision of the commission is the independent Electoral commission (IEC) will evolve into an efficient and effective institution that is adequately staffed and resourced, and responding to national need for full participation in the electoral processes and, leadership that will promote harmony, democracy and progress.” “The Chief Electoral Officer, Sambujang Njie and his team will take you through the elections Amendment Act, Re-demarcation, the rights of the voter, qualification for member of the national Assembly and the electoral process which includes: electoral campaign, polling, counting and declaration of results. “This process will clearly demonstrate that Gambian elections are free, fair, and transparent and accurate. NO ONE CAN RIG IT,” he concluded.]]>