The Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) at the weekend concluded a two-day training of trainers for assistant returning officers, political party representatives and senior police officers, ahead of this year’s presidential election.
Speaking on the occasion, Alhaji Mustapha L Carayol, the chairman of IEC, reaffirmed his office’s resolve in conducting a free and fair election come November 24th. The training was held at the Paradise Suites Hotel in Kololi.
Chairman Carayol said: “Elections are universally recognised to form a very important role in safeguarding the desired peaceful environment of any nation.”
He expressed hopes that at the end of the training, all the participants would be fully equipped with the requisite knowledge to conduct the election.
He went on to say that the concept of integrity is innate to the principles of democracy and it contributes immensely to the administration of a free and fair election, without which democracy would be compromised.
The IEC boss further stated that the electoral process of The Gambia is the primary responsibility of all and that everyone has to work towards enhancing the processes.
He then used the opportunity to appeal to the participants to take the training seriously so as to acquire the knowledge for the execution of their electoral duties.
Robert Anthony Secka, the chief electoral officer of the IEC, emphasised the need for right attitude and approach towards conducting elections. Mr Secka further advised the participants to avoid the habit of creating violence.
He stressed that there is no room for mistakes.