By Fatoumata Joof
The Independent Electoral Commission has recently wrapped up a two-day training programme for IEC officials on electoral process for the local government election slated for April 12, 2018.
The two-day intensive training was held at a local hotel in Senegambia, an initiative that is spearheaded by IEC and brought together IEC polling staff.
In his keynote address, the chairman of the IEC, Mr. Alieu Momarr Njai, stated that the training is meant to bring together all players in the electoral process to discuss the various roles they play in the conduct of free, fair and transparent elections.
He said: “This approach will surely yield credible election results that would be accepted by all the players in the political and electoral process, both national and international.”
“The Local government elections constitute a key pillar in promotion and building of grass root democracy. It is through the representatives in local government that citizens can raise concern for the provision of basic social and development facilities such as roads, car parks, street lights, markets, refuse disposal of local resources and services.”
Mr. Njai further stated that it is envisaged that at the end of the training, all the participants will have a common understanding of the different important roles the various actors in the electoral process play to achieve the conduct of free, fair and transparent and peaceful elections.
In her welcoming remarks, Mrs. Isatou Jallow Ndure, a commission member of the IEC said that the main objective of the training is to put the trainers through the proper processes and procedures of the election process.
“I appeal to all the assisting returning officers to take their training seriously and to take time to read the (Hand Book for Polling Officials), carefully as it contains valuable information you will find entirely useful during the step-down training and during polling that will help you carry out your roles and responsibilities in a very effective and efficient manner,” she said.
She said she believes this training of trainers for the local government elections will help the trainers become better managers and more competent supervisors.
