By Alhagie Babou Jallow
Independent Electoral Commission on Tuesday organised a training programme for political parties, security personnel, media, Civil Society Organisations at NaNa Conference hall in Kanifing.
Speaking on behalf the Chairman of IEC, Commissioner, Anthony Robert Secka, said the training would enable political parties to fully grasp the issues relating to the nomination process as well as other key activities in the electoral process.
He said it will also give them the opportunity to delve into such critical issues as the qualification for the various elective positions.
He urged political parties to sensitize their followers on their agendas and they should continue to preach peace and accept the election results.
The electoral activities would include a nomination period which will be from 13 to 17 March 2018, followed by a campaign period from 21 March to 10 April 2018.
Secka said election is often regarded as a complex process requiring the participation of a multitude of players who perform numerous activities and processes.
In her remarks at the opening ceremony of the training course, Isatou Jallow-Ndure, IEC commissioner said elections are very important in any democratic society as Election Day is when individuals in a country exercise their rights and opportunity to participate in public affairs.
“I am appealing to political parties to sensitize their party agents, to know what their role and functions are during polling day, and all presiding officers must cooperate with agents because they have an important role to play,” she said.
Commissioner Jallow said that to ensure there is peaceful election, candidates and parties should respect the rights and freedom of other parties and candidates.
