A local registered charitable organization in the Upper River Region known as Beakanyang on 28 October 2011 organised a training workshop on domestic election observation.
The training held at its head office in Barrow Kunda, Wuli West District, was attended by fifteen of its members drawn from URR and CRR.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, Tumani Danjo president of Beakanyang, said election observation is an important component of the electoral process.
Danjo stated that observers play a pivotal role in ensuring free, fair and transparent elections.
The group president urges the participants to take the training seriously hence the training would avail them the opportunity to know the DOs and DONTs in observing elections.
He revealed that after successfully taking part in the training, they would deploy the participants to observe the November 24th presidential election within URR and beyond.
He thanked the US embassy in Banjul for sponsoring the training and many other activities of the group through their project known as promoting human rights and democracy at the grassroots level.
Nfamara Jawneh, secretary general and programme coordinator of Beakanyang reiterated their commitment in promoting democracy at the local level.
He urged the participants to comport themselves within the confines of the election laws and other laws of the land.
Jawneh noted that the trainees would also take an oath prior to their deployment to make sure that they provide accurate and impartial report.
“You guys were selected from many of the entire membership of the group and we hope you would deliver up to expectations,” he said.
Yahya Sumareh, board chairperson of Beakanyang, also reiterated their resolve in complementing government’s efforts in all its development endeavours.
He hailed the group for brining unprecedented development to the area.
Other speakers at the ceremony included the Sare Ngai Ward Councillor Alkally Kebbeh and a representative of the village head, Morie Barrow.
Councillor Kebbeh saluted the group for their achievements and participation in the country’s democratization process.
