“It was reported that in around 41.5% of the polling stations visited more than 50% of voters in the queue were women. Around 29.7% of polling stations visited between 30 and 50% of voters in the queue were women. Our observers reported that in 15.6% of polling stations visited more than 50% of voters in the queue were youth. In the same vein, in 30.8% of polling stations visited around 30-50% of voters in the queue were youth.”
“It was also reported that in 75.5% of the polling stations observed, pregnant women and breastfeeding mothers were given preference when voting. Our observers also reported that in 91.2% of polling stations visited women were able to vote without any impediments. The reports from our observers pointed to the fact that women constituted the majority of voters, and most of them voted without any impediments. At the same time, the turnout of youth was observed to be low in the areas where our observers were deployed. Overall, our observers reported that in 98.7% of polling stations visited, voting process was generally peaceful, orderly and calm.”
On the closing of polls, the observers reported that polls closed at the stipulated time of 5pm in most polling stations observed with 95% of polling stations visited. They also noted that the IEC staff and polling agents, party agents, media as well as observers were present during the closure of polls. In almost 79.4% of polling stations observed, CSOs Coalition stated that local observers reported there were still voters in the queue at closing time and were allowed to vote as required by law.
The CSOs statement continued that procedures for the close of polls were largely followed in most of the stations observed and polling agents signed off on the close of the poll report, indicating their acceptance of the procedure.
“The presence of non-accredited persons within polling stations and the display of party paraphernalia inside and around polling stations, although low, remain a recurring incidence in public elections. We observed cases of party supporters canvassing votes around polling stations in Banjul. For the fact checkers, it has been observed that both NPP and UDP were canvassing and influencing voters.”
The observers also reported that a party agent was confirmed assaulted by a PIU in Banjul, saying there was no significant interference with the voting process. The statement further noted clashes in and around polling stations, adding that these were brought under control without posing any disruption to the voting process.
