The
chairman of the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) has outlined the
significant role of politicians in society, saying the role of political
parties is very important and that democracy could not exist without them.
According
to the IEC chairman, having a democratic government without parties has
generally and consistently failed in the region, particularly in Africa.
The
IEC chairman, Alieu Momarr Njai, was speaking at the opening ceremony for a
day’s training workshop for political party representatives on their role and
responsibilities in the electoral process.
The
IEC chairman noted that the nomination of presidential candidates was done
peacefully, and that the good way and manner the contesting candidates,
political parties and their supporters and the general public comported
themselves was the envy of all.
He
thanked Gambians for exhibiting such high maturity and tolerance, which has
gone to show that despite the fact they may have divergent views or different
political ideologies, they are one and the same people.
The
IEC chairman explained that the mission of the commission is to provide the
Gambian people with an independent, efficient electoral process that is based
on fairness, transparency and trust and is supported by competent staff for the
democratic conduct of all public elections and referenda.
He
said the commission is committed to maintaining a credible voter register, and
carrying out continuous voter education.
“The
IEC will evolve into an efficient and effective institution that is adequately
staffed and resourced, and responding to the national need for full participation
in the electoral processes and leadership that will promote harmony, democracy
and progress.”
In
the execution of its mission and help to realise the vision, Mr Njai said the
IEC is guided by core values and principles, which are “professionalism and
efficiency”.
IEC
chairman Njie also said the elections clearly demonstrated that Gambian
elections are free, fair and transparent.
The
transparent preparations at each and every polling station, before the
commencement of voting procedures during and after voting, reinforced by the
on-the-spot counting were witnessed and endorsed by all party agents.
The
collation of results, which are also endorsed by party agents at the seven
administrative regional collation centres, as well as announcements of results
by the returning officer, also witnessed by party agents, as well as the media,
at Election House, were “all free, fair, accurate and transparent”.
“We
Gambians should be proud of ourselves that our electoral system is second to
none, and worthy of emulation,” the IEC chairman declared.
