IPC selects new executive members

The selection was made during the handing over ceremony of the IPC at the Sir Dawda Kairaba Jawara Conference Centre.

Lala Touray, Program Officer at the National Democratic Institute for International Affairs, Gambia Office said given their expertise in strengthening political parties and supporting political and electoral processes as a means to promote democratic values and principles globally, they provided technical support to enhance the institutional capacity of the Inter- Party Committee for over a year.

She added that, the IPC was able to register tremendous achievements during their partnership which includes the launch of the IPC youth and women branches; developed and committed all 18 registered political parties to a peace pledge ahead of the 2021 election campaign period; put in place mechanisms to monitor political party compliance and signed an MoU; as well as set up a mediation committee to resolve inter and intra- party disputes.

She thanked the outgoing chairpersons for their hard work and commitment in enhancing IPC's institutional capacity over the years. 

Samba Baldeh, co-chair of the Inter Party Committee (IPC) said they are not self-reliant financially and if donor support were to stop, their activities would likely suffer.

He added that it is therefore important that they prepare the ground for its evolution into a statutory institution that would finance its operations from the revenue collected by an Act of National Assembly from the consolidated fund.

"I am appeal to all political party leaders to also start contributing monthly or yearly to the IPC account a reasonable amount to enable us carry out certain IPC activities and keep the office functional," he requested.

He highlighted that, IPC belongs to political parties and therefore they should cherish it by giving it the support it deserves.

Joseph Colley, acting Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) Chairman said IEC has been a strong advocate and partner to the IPC.

“The Election House has played host to the IPC since its inception, until recently when the IPC decided to have its own office premises in 2021,” he explained.

According to him, the Commission has been engaging all stakeholders to ensure peaceful, credible and transparent elections are conducted in The Gambia.

He called on political parties to play their roles and responsibilities in the democratic process of this country. 

Aissata De, UNDP resident representative to The Gambia encouraged IPC to be proactive in reform agendas, particularly towards the revitalisation of discussions on the draft new constitution; passage of key bills such as the Anti Corruption, Gender Ratio, Criminal Code, among others at the National Assembly.