By Lamin Cham
The Independent Electoral Commission, which came under a barrage of criticism following its announcement postponing the planned general registration of voters, has issued a statement explaining its reasons for the delay.
Election House initially merely said the decision to postpone it is due to logistical problems without being specific, leading to accusations of conspiracy and incompetence by some members of the opposition and ordinary Gambians.
In their statement issued yesterday, IEC said the logistical challenges being experienced relate to procurement of materials and equipment needed for the successful conduct of voter registration.
The commission further said it is hindered by the lack of clearance by the GPPA, which is required before the release of funds by the Ministry of Finance.
“The IEC would like to assure Gambians that the delay in conducting the voter registration exercise will not affect the electoral calendar as there is still room to conduct the exercise on time.”
In fact in 2011, according to the IEC, a general registration of voters commenced in May and the presidential election was held in November, meaning that they are on course to conduct a general registration for voters prior to the presidential election on 4 December 2021.
The statement concluded by assuring that the IEC will give regular updates.
