Through the reflection session, the EWC sought to engage with Gambian Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) on the opportunities and lessons learnt and to come up with observations.
The event, which was held Metzy Residence hotel, brought together fifteen (15) domestic observers and CSOs.
The deliberations also sought practical recommendation for implementation directed at the various major stakeholders particularly the IEC, political parties and security, for a smoother electoral process ahead of the April 2022 parliamentary election.
Moreover, the Election Watch Committee and CSOs that were present all commended the IEC for the efficient conduct of the country’s presidential election, the political parties for abiding by the laws and utilising the prescribed legal process to pursue complaints likewise the security officials for their valued service. It was unanimously agreed that the IEC was able to deliver to the country’s expectations in terms of providing a transparent, free and fair Election and most importantly, a peaceful Election on December 4th.
Therefore ahead of 2022 parliamentary Election, the consortium of Gambian CSOs and the Election Watch committee proffer recommendations to the IEC, that they should break down polling stations to avoid long queues and prolonged voting, promote transparency, avoid abuse of privilege and provide gender segregation
Recommendations were made to the political parties to adequately train party agents on Election procedures and actively discourage tribal remarks and propagation of tribalism by respective party supporters and to the security officials to be trained on appropriate response to election related conflict before, during and after election and also continue to demonstrate neutrality and professionalism in dealing with Election matters.
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