The forum was held at Metzy Residence in Kololi.
At the opening, Ms Salama Njie, coordinator of West Africa Network for Peace Building -The Gambia (WANEP), reminded that across the regions there is a desirable trend in which the holding of elections come with increasing fear of political tensions amongst the populace and political parties.
“Indeed, election provides an opportunity to establish a legitimate government and the link between democracy, peace and development. However, violent disputes prevent elections from playing their natural roles in human and material development of the region.” she stated.
She added that elections that should provide opportunities for peace and development, is rather seen as a tool for chronicle killings, human displacement among others.
This, she said, has made many people live in fear in electoral seasons, acknowledging that to oppose this negative trend is the necessity for all to see elections as an indispensable tool for establishing political legitimacy in a country’s development.
“Transparency in the management and resolution of electoral disputes is essential to mitigate peaceful conduct of elections and ensure stability across the nation.” she affirmed.
Also speaking, Madam French, ECOWAS Ambassador to The Gambia, expressed her office's commitment in partnering and supporting WANEP on activities that relates to peace and national development.
“We must translate our peace preach to reality for it is very instrumental for progress.” she said
She added: “It is rather unfortunate that elections are the main source of violence in ECOWAS States and election related violence undermines democracy. Therefore, election assistance providers have made peaceful transparent and credible elections a priority to achieve sustainable peace, security and development.” she said.
For his part, Dr. David Tommy, chairperson of the National Election Response Group (NERG), pointed out that as the country reached its final state of election, engagement on security is essential to prevent electoral related violence.
