(Tuesday 15th October 2019 Issue)
European
Union election observer mission to The Gambia, has suggested in its 2017 final
report for the country’s constitutional amendment to advocate for an increase
in the number of female parliamentarians.
The
mission was in The Gambia to assess the progress on the implementation of the
31 recommendations made two years ago, which seeks to interpret the
pre-existing legislation in line with international and regional standards to
ensure pure democratic elections.
The
team has held several discussions with various Gambian electoral stakeholders
including President Adama Barrow, Government officials, The Independent
Electoral Commission, The Constitutional Review Commission, The Human Rights
Commission and political parties, among several other institutions pertinent to
election.
Part
of the recommendations made by the European Union include offering individuals
with disabilities access to voting, to strengthen the press, electoral
commission and institutional independence by altering the appointment system.
It also recommends that the National Assembly members be elected entirely by
the people, without a nominated member by the President.
The
report further indicates that other recommendations such as inequality in
voters’ representation might be addressed. “Constituency, boundaries at present
provide for vast variation in the number of voters per constituency, ranging
from 1,980 to 46,502.” it stated.
