According to PAG President Bubacarr Sambou, observers will send their observation reports in near real time via coded text messages using their mobile phones to the PAG’s National Information Center located in Kanifing.
Mr. Sambou made these remarks last Friday at a press conference organised and held at his office premises.
He added that the observation would be non-partisan to make the process more inclusive, transparent and accountable by enhancing participation, providing independent information on the quality of the process, and deterring potential problems.
He also said that observers will also report critical incidents if they occur using the critical incident reporting form.
He urged IEC to closely monitor registration rates and put contingencies in place to extend the process should additional time be needed to ensure that all Gambians who want to register have the opportunity to do so.
He stated that PAG will issue regular public updates to communicate observation findings based on direct observations from observers. He further said that they will also issue a final report on the entire voter registration process after its conclusion aggregating the findings.
In addition to regular updates and a final report on the voter registration, Sambou said PAG will immediately share with appropriate authorities any verified critical reports or any other relevant information so that actions would immediately be taken to address the issue(s).
“PAG regular public updates aim to inform all stakeholders about the conduct of the process and will make recommendations to improve the process as it is ongoing,” he said.
All PAG observers were trained on the IEC registration procedures, how to complete the observation checklist, and how to format and send in their observation reports via coded text messages using their mobile phones. On 27 May, PAG observers participated in a National simulation exercise where they practiced formulating and sending observation reports via coded text messages using their mobile phones.
Peace Ambassadors – The Gambia has since 2006 monitored every election held in The Gambia including presidential, parliamentary and local government elections.
