The
Panafrican Corps of Electoral Observers (CPOE) Mission of Gambia’s December 1st
2016 Presidential polls has commended the Gambian people based on the outcome
of the “great democracy” manifested during the election.
They
said they have noticed with great attention the courage, patience,
determination and fair play from the political actors in The Gambia, who have
started a ball rolling for the African continent to learn from.
Speaking
at a press briefing held at a motel in Serrekunda on Monday 5 December 2016,
Mahamat Souleymane Doukhane, chief of mission, applauded the sincerity and
honesty of the process according to Gambian laws.
“We
have finally noted with great satisfaction the results issued from the polls,
which are the fruits of the maturity of sovereign Gambian people that have
expressed freely their will without pressure and discrimination.”
The
CPOE mission called on Gambian political class and all national actors to work
together for the new era in The Gambia championed by the losers and winner of
the presidential election through the spirit of fair play and patriotism; guide
the sense of cordiality among the people of “this great country and are
condemned to work and live together despite any circumstances”; inculcate the
values of dialogue during any reforms in order to consolidate the peace which
is the first value for any democracy; work to open up the electoral process for
Gambians in the Diaspora for their participation in future elections.
They
stated that they were proud that the election was held without interruption
(violence, vandalism) and, therefore, hailed and showed their appreciation in
the good holding of the election according to international standards of free,
inclusive, democratic, free expression and transparent manner in which the results
were officially declared.
They
urged the Gambian political class to consolidate the maturity and
responsibility that the Gambian people have demonstrated during the electoral
process, saying that every actor should endeavour to jealously safeguard the peace
and national unity that prevails in the country.
“It
is a win-win situation for the gallant sons of the Gambia mapping a positive
point in the democratisation process in The Gambia,” they further stated.
The
mission also said they followed with satisfaction the conceding of defeat of
outgoing president Yahya Jammeh before the final announcement of the results by
the election authorities.
“We
have taken into account all the aspects of the presidential election in The
Gambia, and we are proud to point out the sincerity and honesty of all
stakeholders during the process which led to a free, fair and transparent
election.”
The
mission pointed out that they have examined and analysed the speeches of the
candidates thus relatively positive, but in some cases putting the traditional
peace of The Gambia in question.
