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kobo
United Kingdom
7765 Posts |
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kobo
United Kingdom
7765 Posts |
 Posted - 13 Sep 2011 : 21:15:43
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FOROYAA Focus on Politics : Gambians Express Concern on the Freeness and Fairness of the 1996 Elections, Was the Regime Listening? FOR USEFUL REFLECTIONS 
"I will again ask the question I asked earlier: ARE WE HAVING FREE AND FAIR ELECTIONS OR NOT? Certainly, the continued monopolisation of Gambian TV by the APRC is incompatible with any notion of fairness in the arrangements which have been made for the forthcoming elections. That only serves to draw attention to the point previously made by the Commonwealth Ministerial Action Group (CMAG), namely, the absence of “a level playing field”." Foroyaa Focus on Politics covered 1996 |
Edited by - kobo on 13 Sep 2011 21:25:43 |
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kobo
United Kingdom
7765 Posts |
Posted - 14 Sep 2011 : 00:10:12
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1. DAILY NEWS The IEC’s Credibility On The Line
2. FOROYAA Editorial : BREAKING THE ELECTORAL LAWS IN BROAD DAYLIGHT
3. THE VOTER REGISTRATION CYCLE HAS BEEN COMPLETED FULLY? SO AS WE GIVE CREDENCE TO IT AND MOBILISING TO PARTICIPATE; AM AFRAID TO DECLARE IN MY OPINION IN LINE WITH OTHERS;
"VICTORY ALREADY SEALED FOR PRESIDENT JAMMEH/APRC!" OPPOSITION WOULD BE HUMILIATED VERY SERIOUSLY AND GAMBIA DEMOCRACY/MULTI-PARTY/PARLIAMENT WOULD SUFFER A MASSIVE VACUUM OR SET-BACK"! ITS DOOMS DAY FOR OPPOSITION NOVEMBER 2011!
AND MY 2011 VERDICT! DUE THE FACTS THAT MEDIOCRITY, THE MEDIOCRACIES, FRAGMENTED OPPOSITION, TOTAL DISORIENTATION, BLAME GAME, DIS-ORGANISED, CONFUSED, DISORDERLY AND IN CHAOS & LACKING PREPAREDNESS OR STRATEGY; AMONGST OTHER MULTIFACETED AND COMPLEX REASONS FROM NOT ONLY PARTY LEADERS OR OPPOSITION PARTIES BUT ALL OPPONENTS OF PRESIDENT JAMMEH/APRC REGIME SHARED RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDING ALL LIABILITIES (I.E. COLLECTIVE FAILURES); ACCUMULATED OVER TIME OF JAMMEH'S ERA; IN ADDITION TO PROBLEMS & FACTORS SURROUNDING "LACK OF LEVEL PLAYING FIELD" IN FAVOUR OF INCUMBENT PRESIDENT JAMMEH
ALL OPPONENTS HAVE LOST IT BEYOND REDEMPTION AT THIS ELEVENTH HOUR!
RELATED The Last Call
MY HOPE TO UNITE OPPOSITION AND SALVAGE THIS COUNTRY ENDORSED PROPOSED P.D.O.I.S ON UNITED FRONT As Halifa Sallah speaks on united front ahead of poll
ITS OUR CHOICE! THE CHOICE OF EVERY CITIZEN AGAINST PRESIDENT JAMMEH/APRC REGIME! WE ARE ALL LIABLE AND WE ARE ALL IN THIS TOGETHER
ANY DIFFERENT VIEWS AND HOPE |
Edited by - kobo on 15 Sep 2011 21:34:12 |
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kobo
United Kingdom
7765 Posts |
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kobo
United Kingdom
7765 Posts |
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kobo
United Kingdom
7765 Posts |
Posted - 29 Sep 2011 : 21:46:56
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FOROYAA National News : ON ELECTION OBSERVATION, THE NEWS MEDIA & ELECTION REPORTING
"The International Centre for Journalists (ICFJ) in collaboration with the Gambia Press Union and FLARE on Tuesday 20th of September 2011 opened a four day training for media practitioners on election reporting as published in our Wednesday edition.
In our last edition, we published the presentation of Baboucar Senghore the Editor in Chief of The Point Newspaper and in this edition, we shall published the presentation of Sarjo Camara Singateh and goes the speech;-
“As an Election Observer for ECOWAS and a practising journalist, my presentation will focus on the work of Election Observers as it relates to the activities of the media during elections.
I will be quoting from the ECOWAS Handbook on Election Observation.
We begin by defining Election Observation.
According to the ECOWAS Handbook, the International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (IDEA) has provided a good definition of Election Observation.
It is defined as: “The purposeful gathering of information regarding an electoral process and the making of informed judgement about the process on the basis of the information collected.”
We also define “Elections”.
The ECOWAS Hanbook states that:
“Elections could be defined as a contest to select a person(s) to occupy a public position(s)”.
It further states that “a democratic election has three basic features”:
1. The contest is between individual candidates or political parties, or both.
2. An Election Management Body (EMB) mediates the contest.
3. The votes of the electorate decide the outcome of the contest.
That is about Elections.
As an Election Observer, the ECOWAS Handbook also clearly spells out “What to Observe”.
a) Legal framework
Is media freedom guaranteed?
This is something the observer has to find out.
In The Gambia, for example, the Constitution guarantees Freedom of Expression and of the Press.
b) The general electoral environment
Are there restrictions on freedom of expression?
In The Gambia, for example, the media laws have the effect of restricting freedom of expression – the amended Newspaper Act, the laws related to sedition and false information.
c) The degree of political competitiveness.
Do the print and electronic media allow equitable access to all contesting parties and candidates? For example, in The Gambia, do GRTS radio and TV or the Daily Observer allow equitable access? Is access to media regulated and monitored?
Again, in The Gambia, for example, the existing Media Laws regulate access to media. For example, the amended Newspaper Act and the 2009 Information and Communication Act regulate, and provide for monitoring, the operations of newspapers and the electronic media in the country.
d) The integrity of the electoral preparations.
Is voter education provided countrywide in a non-partisan manner?
Here we also examine the situation in The Gambia. Is the National Council for Civic Education (NCCE ) able to do its work effectively, by using the public media (GRTS radio & TV for example), which have a wider reach of coverage of the whole country, compared to other media, both newspapers and radio stations.
The ECOWAS Handbook under the section entitled “ECOWAS Code of Conduct for Election Observers”, specifically has a sub section entitled “Relations with the media”.
Here it makes it abundantly clear, and I quote, that the Election Observer must “refrain from making any personal or premature comments to members of the media or any other interested persons about your observation, as they may prejudice any final statement made on behalf of the ECOWAS observation mission.
“Rather, your responsibility is to provide information about the nature of your observations to a designated liaison officer or spokesperson.
“Do not be drawn into general contact with the media. In all cases, refer a journalist who seeks comment on the electoral process to the authorized spokesperson of the mission.
“The leader of the mission will make a statement to the media on behalf of the ECOWAS, as and when necessary.”
Election Language
Another aspect of the work of Election Observers which is relevant to the role of the media in elections is the use of language. There is what is called “Election language” in the handbook, which states as follows:
“Reckless use of election language by observers could easily play into the hands of persons who have axes to grind or inflame the passions of losing politicians and their supporters, with a high propensity to disorder”.
For example, what do we mean when we talk about elections as “Free and Fair”?
“The concept of ‘free and fair’ elections”, according to the ECOWAS Hand book,” has become part of everyday election language. But the phrase is often used carelessly.
“The problem is that the parameters of free and fair election are, indeed, very wide and complex in both their institutional and behavioral contexts.
“In fact, fully unraveled, the phrase prescribes conditions that must exist as a backdrop to the elections as well as the sorts of behavior that all electoral actors must exhibit.
“Thus, to describe an election in its entirely as ‘free and fair’ tends to suggest that it took place under conditions of perfect laws and procedures, perfect election administrators and officials, perfect politicians and candidates, and perfect voters.
“Perhaps, no such environment will ever exist in the real world of elections!
“So, the concept of ‘free and fair’ elections is useful, but only to the extent that it provides an ideal or a vision for democratic elections.
“In practice, if an election goes well, it does not necessarily mean that it was entirely free and fair.
“For this reason, some observer groups are content to formulate judgments on the basis of whether conditions existed for the voters to freely express their choices and, therefore, the results of the election could be said to reflect the wishes of the electorate”.
We also tend to use the word “Rigging”.
“To rig an election is to deliberately do something with the intention of tilting the eventual outcome of the election in favour of a particular candidate, party or cause.
“Rigging involves both conscious intent and willful manipulation to influence the results of an election.
“So, a person who rigs is fully conscious of what he or she is doing and fully aware of what he or she intends to achieve by it”.
We may also report about “irregularity”.
Again, according to the handbook, “in election language, an irregularity is literally anything whatsoever that is not done in strict adherence to the laws, rules, regulations and procedures governing an election”.
Election Observation & Monitoring
One other issue, which I think it is important to clarify, is the difference between Election Observation and Election Monitoring.
Again, according to the ECOWAS handbook, Election observation and election monitoring are often used as interchangeable terms.
Perhaps, this is due to three factors.
-The ordinary definition of observer and monitor are similar and, indeed include one another.
-Both the observer and monitor watch, see, note and report what takes place in relation to an electoral activity.
-The scope of observation and monitoring may cover the entire electoral process from the beginning to the end or some important aspect of the process, such as registration of voters, the campaign period, or the actual conduct of the election.
However, in proper election language, election observation is not the same activity as election monitoring. The difference is simple, but crucial:
In principle, an election observer has no role in the actual administration of an election; an election monitor has.
In principle, watching, seeing, noting, and reporting constitute the end of the role of the observer; on the other hand, they form the rudiments of the role of the monitor. The election monitor is deemed to be an integral part of the election administration process, and has the power to supervise and intervene in the actual administration of an election activity.
Unlike the observer, the monitor can, where and whenever necessary, give binding corrective instructions to an election official in the course of executing an electoral activity.
For this reason, to be able to do the work successfully, the monitor requires greater technical knowledge of the election administration than the ordinary election observer.
Unlike an observer, the monitor must know not only how an electoral activity is carried out, but also why it is done that way. Where necessary, this understanding enables the monitor to prescribe an alternative way of carrying out a particular activity, without compromising the underlying electoral principle.
Given the distinction in roles, some have likened the short-term observer to a pathologist and the monitor to a physician, in the sense that election observation is, to a large extent, a post mortem exercise, while election monitoring is interventionist, corrective, and preventive. But even though election observation is in principle a passive activity, it can be made active and constructive in the field by tactfully engaging the electoral and political authorities without being confrontational or meddlesome.
However, an overzealous election observer who assumes the role of an election monitor can cause great discomfort to election managers and conflict with election workers on the ground.
It is to be noted that there are kinds of election monitors. One is the person who monitors how an electoral activity, such as the registration of voters, is being carried out in the field. For the most part, the person will be monitoring the work of officers who are not permanent staff of the EMB.
Another is the monitor who works mostly with the technical staff of the EMB and oversees the implementation of operational plans to ascertain not only whether they are being carried out properly, but also whether the whole process is on course from its preparatory stages to the finish. In the role of plan evaluator, this kind of monitor identifies implementation gaps in the operational plans,and recommends solutions.
Nowadays, monitoring compliance with human rights in connection with an election, particularly following a period of conflict and civil war, is also becoming increasingly popular as an entity in itself.
In view of the wide-ranging powers that a monitor could exercise, usually, an external monitor’s specific terms of reference are agreed to between the sponsoring agency and the electoral authority concerned.
This Handbook is about election observation, not about election monitoring.
Similarities in the operations of an Election Observer and a Journalist
On Polling Day
When you arrive at the polling station, introduce yourself to the presiding officer or the person in charge, and show your identification. Establishing a working relationship with the election officials, and in this way they will assist your observation, and this is particularly important for the vote count and collation.
You must comply with any instructions given by the polling officials.
If, for some reason, you are dissatisfied with the official instructions, record the circumstances on the appropriate observation form (in your notebook, if you are a journalist).
If any official prevents you from doing something you believe you are entitled to do, point this out and refer, if possible, to the relevant provisions of the law.
Do not attempt to take part in the actual administration of the election: under no circumstances should you handle official election documents in the polling station or physically assist in the voting or counting process.
Avoid doing anything whatsoever that may be construed to be disruption or interference with the work of electoral officials or with the voting and counting process.
Do not attempt to play an active role in resolving any disputes or complaints, even if asked to do so. Your role is to observe and record events at the polling stations.
Do not use photographic, video, or recording equipment at the polling station without the permission of the presiding officer or any persons concerned.
Do not wear or display anything whatsoever- including symbols, colour, or banners- that could be construed as identification with any candidate, party, or cause.
Take note or any conversations or comments that you consider to be important: ask for clarifications where necessary, and, in particular, ask for concrete examples when general statements or complaints are made.
Record the details of any complaints made to you on the appropriate form, including the name, the organization (where relevant)- and address of the complainant.
Avoid any form of confrontation with security personnel.
Keep away from any manifestation of danger to your person: otherwise, try not to give the impression that you are rushing from one polling station to another.
Be conscious that your conduct is likely to be closely watched. Questions that are asked during the observation and which journalists can make good use of.
Were there party/candidates’ agents at the polling station?
Were there local and /or foreign observers at the polling station?
Was the vote count transparent and orderly?
Were the results publicly announced at the polling stations?
Were the party/candidates’ agents given copies of the certified results at the polling stations?
Were the results relayed from the polling station to the tabulation centre in a secure manner?
Was the vote collation properly organized and was sufficient care taken to verify the results?
Were the results publicly announced at the collation centre?
Were there party/candidates representatives at the collation centre and were they given copies of the results?
Were there any disputes, and were they resolved in accordance with the electoral law?
Is voter education provided countrywide in a non-partisan manner?
Were voters who had a right to be assisted to vote and the manner of assistance clearly specified?
End of Presentation" |
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kobo
United Kingdom
7765 Posts |
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kobo
United Kingdom
7765 Posts |
Posted - 04 Oct 2011 : 21:33:26
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quote:
Originally posted by kobo
Final day of registration
More updates AS VOTER REGISTRATION ENDS TODAY 17TH JUNE 2011;
1. Registration of APRC Supporters from Mauritania
2. Lots of new members then !!
3. Darboe Describes Ongoing Voter Registration
4. Henry Gomez calls on Darboe, Halifa and Hamat
5. Lesson in 2011 for Opposition as Jammeh register
6. JOLLOF ON-LINE NEWS Over 869,000 registered before Gambia vote
7. FOROYAA ONLINE Editorial : REGISTRATION OF VOTERS ENDS TODAY HAVE YOU REGISTERED AND WHAT NEXT?
FREEDOM NEWS Breaking News: Gambia: 796,929 Gambian Voters To Vote In November Polls-Chairman Carayol Tells Political Leaders
"As IEC Briefs The Media, Political Parties And Others
By Staff Reporter Ebrima Jarju, Banjul
The Chairman of the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) Alhaji Mustapha L Carayol has said that as at now, the number of registered voters ahead of the November Presidential Elections is 796,929.
He was speaking at a press conference Tuesday at the IEC headquarters along Bertil Harding Highway. The purpose of the press conference is to give the final figure on the final voter roll and other pertinent issues on the presidential election as today marks fifty one days to Election Day. The IEC according to Carayol, continues to seek the indulgence of the Gambian electorates, the general public, and all other stakeholders in the electoral process of the Gambia.
After successfully concluding the 2011 General Registration of Voters Exercise, the provisional list of voters were published at the registration centers across the country. At the completion of the display and public scrutiny of the provisional list of voters, there was no Appeal but the Commission received 173 Objections. 163 of the Objections were from Central Region and 10 from Kanifing Municipality.
However, two of those objected to from the Kanifing Municipality honorably surrendered their cards to the Commission before the commencement of the Revising Courts.
The cases have already been heard by the Revising Courts and only five cards have been expunged from the register. “The digital system of voter registration employed was also used as a platform upon which a biometric matching was conducted,’’ the IEC Boss noted.
The cross matching query was able to detect a very high number of multiple registrations. These are people who registered more than once he told the meeting.
Carayol further stated that the following information was provided by the IEC Database in respect of double or multiple voter registrations:
1 person registered 5 times in 5 Registration Centers
2 persons registered 4 times in 4 Registration Centers
11 persons registered 3 times in different centers and 1183 persons registered 2 times.
Thus a total number of 1897 persons are the suspected cases of people who registered more than once. Thump print and facial recognition were used as the means of detecting this.
The Commission in collaboration with the Political Parties as a matter of goodwill granted a period of amnesty to the suspected cases of those who registered more than once.
However, the response was not very encouraging and so consequently, the Commission instead of taking all these people to court, took this bold decision of deleting all cards except the most recent one. As a consequence, all those suspected cases of double registration’s names will appear only once in the register.
At the end of the General Registration of Voters exercise, it was announced that the number of registered voters stood at 837, 039. As at now the number of registered voters is 796,929 and these are the people who will be voting at 1, 302 polling stations across the country. The reason for this drastic drop is that the registration officials at the time added the spoil and cancelled cards in the statistics that they sent as returns from the field. Consequently, during the finalizing of the register, these records were removed.
“The Presidential Election will be held on Thursday November 24, 2011, Nomination of candidates will be held on November 10, 2011 from 8 O’ Clock in the morning to 4 O’ Clock in the afternoon whiles the campaign will commence on November 12, 2011 and end on 22 November 2011.’’
The Commission is already ahead of time as far as the overseas procurement of materials is concerned. Those to be procured locally are also being taken care of. With the advent of the new digital voter registration system, we will undoubtedly see remarkable improvements in the electoral service delivery in the forthcoming elections. The voters’ picture and personal details will be shown on the head register and we also expect to reduce the voting time for every voter on pooling day.
As indicated, the IEC Boss disclosed that they have also remarkably increased the number of pooling stations to give better access to all voters.
The Commission according to him in collaboration with the National Council for Civic Education (NCCE) and other partners will embark on a massive sensitization. The NCCE will deal with civic education and the IEC will mainly focus on voter education and voter information.
The management of the Gambia Radio and Television Services has already been contacted as far as what their role is prior, during and after the electioneering period. The Media Rules on Elections have already been sent to them. These same Media Rules will be made available to all other Media Houses.
“Remember that election is the business of all Gambians and so the Commission enjoins the media houses to join them in this massive voter sensitization,’’ said the Commission Chairman.
The IEC is also working closely with other stakeholders most specially those in the entertainment industry and we hoping that they will also play a very pivotal role in the massive voter sensitization campaign.
On the election date for the National Assembly, he said that will be held on March 29, 2012 as it is in consonance with Section 96 subsection (1) of the Constitution of the Gambia which reads: “there shall be a general election of all the members of the national Assembly which shall be held four months after the date of election of office of the President.’’ Nomination days will be March 8, 2012-10 as campaign will commence on March 14, 2012 and end March 27.
Lawyer Ousainou Darboe, Hamat NK Bah, Halifa Sallah all spoke at length calling on the IEC to revisit the election period as the time is not adequate which is not favorable to the oppositions as the APRC has been campaigning for a longer period. The opposition is asking for an extension of the campaign period. But the IEC Boss however stated that the dates will never be changed.
“We expect Gambians, once again to fully demonstrate their sense of maturity and the respect and love for law and order, peace and tranquility in all these activities,” said the Election Chairman.
The IEC would like to implore the participation of each and every voter and the general public at large in the electoral process."Freedom News
RELATED Confusion over election campaign period
THE POINT EDITORIAL 50 days to go
ALSO WITH DAILY NEWS The IEC’s Credibility On The Line
RECAPS FROM 2011 PRESIDENTIAL TOUR COVERAGE THAT OPENED DOORS FOR REGIONAL GOVERNORS ELECTION RIGGING AS "He pledged that any region with the highest voter percentage for the APRC in the election will receive a historic reward. He further stressed that it will be an exemplary reward that no president has ever done for his people."
AND "“The image of this country is more important that any political leader’s ambition. If you decide to contest, you must understand that you must win or lose, but if you lose, you accept it. This is what is going to happen; they (the opposition) are going to lose. I know the terrain,” he said."Waa Juwara Mborodi
ON THAT NOTE FROM WAA JUWARA - MBORODI ABOVE; WE HAVE HEARD THE PETITIONS, DIS-CREDITING IEC, DIS-CREDITING THE VOTER REGISTRATION EXERCISE, UNFAIR LEVEL-LAYING FIELD (AS MINISTERS, STATE RESOURCES, GRTS, REGIONAL GOVERNORS, CHIEFS, ALKALOS, IMAMS AND PROMINENT ELDERS MOBILISED IN FAVOUR OF INCUMBENT), FRAGMENTED/LACK OF PREPARATION FOR OPPOSITION, OUTPACED BY APRC NETWORKS ON THE GROUND AND THE ELECTIONS ALREADY POCKETED WITH SPONSORSHIP, GIFTS, MONEY, TRACTORS, VEHICLES, AUTO-BIKES AND OTHER PATRONAGE FROM THE PERSONAL WEALTH OF THE PRESIDENT; SO ITS HARD TO DECIDE WHETHER TO BOYCOTT OR CONTEST FOR OPPOSITION ALREADY CORNERED, ROASTED & IN HOT SOUP; FOR DECISIVE AND VERY TOUGH DECISIONS TO TAKE FROM OPPOSITION FRONT |
Edited by - kobo on 06 Oct 2011 06:03:31 |
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kobo
United Kingdom
7765 Posts |
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kobo
United Kingdom
7765 Posts |
Posted - 08 Oct 2011 : 09:41:55
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FOROYAA National News : IEC PRESS CONFERENCE
"The Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) held a Press Conference on Tuesday 4th October 2011 at its headquarters.
During question time, Halifa Sallah of PDOIS indicated that their own PDOIS agents filed ten objections before the revising courts and succeeded in having names struck out from the list of voters. He said those whose names have been struck out had their applications for registration attested to by five elders. He said that their act amounts to a criminal offence but that since the people are family men he would not recommend court action which would result in their incarceration but would instead call on the IEC to name and shame them by exposing their pictures and names to the press so that this would deter others from engaging in the fraudulent practice.
Secondly, Halifa observed that according to the Elections laws the IEC has from 10 to 30 days to hold elections after nomination. He said the campaign period could be held in between the 10 and 30 days. He reminded the Commission that the Inter party Committee has written a letter requesting for the extension of the campaign period from 11 days to something close to the 30 days that should lie between the day of nomination and the day of holding an elections. He said that he thought that the IEC would made a pronouncement on their request for the campaign period to be increased.
In his response the IEC chairman said that they would consider the proposal made by Halifa regarding those who fraudulently attested to application for registration of those who were not qualified to be registered.
On the campaign period the Chairman said that it could not be changed since it is already gazetted.
On his part, Lawyer Ousainou Darboe of the UDP indicated that with regard to the campaign period, the law is not saying that once the period is gazetted it cannot be changed. He said it could be changed and should be changed taken into consideration that the incumbent is already using the television and radio to the advantage of his party. Regarding political parties being free to engage in political activities, Darboe said he appreciates that but was quick to add that even with there the opposition do not have Television coverage and that the Police in collaboration with Governors and Chiefs do obstruct their meetings. He cited the UDP meeting in Sutukonding in Wuli West which was interrupted by the police. He said even though this may have been done without the knowledge of senior police authorities it was done at a time when he could not reach the IGP. He said the IEC must intervene to stop such interferences.
Regarding the fraudulent multiple registrations,, Mr Darboe said they have committed a crime and they should face the consequence of the law. He said their names should as well be deleted from the list because they have committed a crime and should not be allowed to benefit from the fruit of their crime.
Responding to these issues, the IEC Chairman asserted that the Campaign period cannot be changed and with regard to the lack of media coverage and police obstructions, he assured Mr Darboe that the Director General GRTS and the Inspector General of Police will call for a meeting to address the issue.
With regard to fraudulent multiple registration, the IEC Vice Chairman said they are now focusing on the elections and would take up the matter.
On his part, Mr Samba Gagigo of the APRC said that with regards to the campaign period the time is adequate. He said if one compared it with what happens in the Subregion, one would discover that the time is adequate. He said he was not aware of the letter written by the Interparty Committee. He said the position taken by the IEC on the multiple registrations is acceptable to them.
With regard to the lack of Television coverage, he said he agrees with the chairman to call the Director General GRTS and the Inspector General of Police so that the opposition could have coverage and also to have their meetings without obstruction.
On his part, Mr Hamat Bah of NRP asserted that his party had filed the largest objection but they encountered a lot of problems in the revising court in terms of citizenship. He indicated that at the revising court, they were told that the issue of citizenship is not within the jurisdiction of the revising court. He referred the commission to section 13 of the constitution and said it is really creating problem for them.
With regard to the campaign period, Mr Bah asserted that the period is short and IEC should do something about it so that the election could be free and fair.
He further told the IEC that his people are to go on tour and would not want to have the type of incidence which occurred during the registration exercise.
The IEC Chairman indicated that the revising courts would be useless if they cannot review cases dealing with citizenship. He said he will take the matter up. He maintained his posture on the campaign period and accused the opposition of acting when it is already too late.
Halifa Sallah indicated that the IEC should not blame the opposition. He said that there appears to be friction between the opposition and the IEC during the Press Conference because of the departure from the good practice that has already been established. He said the IEC contacted the Interparty Committee and arranged a joint sensitisation programme to encourage those who registered more than once to return their cards. He said there was no consultation with the Interparty Committee when the IEC took a final decision on the matter. He said that the Interparty Committee should have also been consulted before the Press Conference on the Campaign period. He reminded Mr Gagigo of the APRC that they were represented by Hon Sillah of Banjul North when the decision to write a letter on the campaign period was made. He said the IEC’S credibility lies in consultation with the stakeholders and not in taking unilateral actions." Foroyaa |
Edited by - kobo on 09 Oct 2011 04:44:48 |
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kobo
United Kingdom
7765 Posts |
Posted - 09 Oct 2011 : 04:54:28
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JOLLOF ON-LINE NEWS UDP Will Never Boycott Election Again- Darboe
"Saturday, 08 October 2011 21:46
(JollofNews) – Even after the refusal of the country's electoral body to lengthen the timetable of the forthcoming elections, Gambia's opposition leader Ousainou Darboe of the United Democratic Party (UDP), has ruled out any option of boycotting the November 24 Presidential elections.
Asked if the 11-day election campaign period, considered to be too short for any meaning campaign, thus potentially tilting the balance toward incumbent President Yahya Jammeh, Darboe told Jollofnews that the “word boycott has never crossed the mind of UDP.”
“We are not boycotting any election. We will go into the Presidential elections and contest all the subsequent elections scheduled for 2012,” he said.
Gambians were astonished last Tuesday when they heard the Head of the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) told political parties leaders that the 11-day elections campaign period “will not be changed.” This has triggered many speculations that opposition parties will mount great public pressures, including election boycott, in order to force the IEC to restore the status quo of a-4 week campaign period.
But the UDP which still regrets its ill-fated decision to boycott the 2002 national assembly elections is now shy of taking that route no matter.
Many now consider that elections in the Gambia will be facing credibility test if the IEC decides to maintain the 11-day campaign period. “The period allocated for the campaign will be one of the factors to determine whether the elections were fair,'' said a local political commentator.
Meanwhile the IEC voter registration database now confirms that the number of registered voters is 796, 929 and 1, 302 polling stations.
President Yahya Jammeh has been ruling the tiny West African country with an iron fist. He has made it clear that he will not engage into any elections campaign, as he is confident of the victory of the Alliance for Patriotic Re-orientation and Construction (APRC).
Wriiten by Abdoulie John" |
Edited by - kobo on 09 Oct 2011 05:08:56 |
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kobo
United Kingdom
7765 Posts |
Posted - 10 Oct 2011 : 04:07:12
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FOROYAA Editorial : THE DEBATE AROUND THE 11 DAYS CAMPAIGN PERIOD
"Foroyaa has been monitoring the debate around the 11 days campaign period established by the IEC for the Presidential and National Assembly elections. The Campaign period for the Presidential elections is to last from the 12th November to 22nd November, 2011.
The Campaign period for the National Assembly elections is also set for March 14 to March 27 2012.
The IEC has decided to reduce the campaign periods to 11 days for the Presidential and National Assembly Elections.
Foroyaa has been doing some vox pop to know what the voters think about the decision of the IEC. We will publish the reactions in subsequent issues.
What is worrisome to Foroyaa is the opinion being expressed by many that the opposition should boycott the elections if the Campaign period is not increased by the IEC. This should be an eye opener to both the opposition and the IEC. The attitude of the opposition to elections is likely to contribute to voter enthusiasm or voter apathy. People keep on asking what the opposition is doing regarding the Campaign period. They expect the opposition to be proactive and not just simply reacting to unilateral decisions taken by the IEC. The opposition should take note of the fact that if it cannot make the IEC listen to its concerns it will discourage the voters from voting.
The IEC should also recognise that its attitude to elections will also determine whether the people would have confidence in the electoral process or not. They should operate according to the judicial principle that justice is not only done but is also seen to be done.
The IEC has partners and should consult all sides before establishing dates for holding elections and campaign periods. Independence is not synonymous to unilateralism. Many have asked whether the IEC determined the dates without consulting the executive. According to them if that has been done the IEC is duty bound to consult the opposition. This question will be put to the IEC the next time they call a Press conference.
It could however be fairly stated that the establishment of a campaign period without consulting the opposition is a minus for the IEC as it struggles to earn the confidence of the voters and put voter apathy behind us.
In our discussion with voters, Foroyaa has come to gather that if the opposition form a United Front the short campaign period will have no impact on their support base, but if they fail to unite even three months campaign period will not change the ultimate outcome of the elections. To such people, the people who want change should focus more on compelling the opposition to unite than to dwell on a debate on the campaign period.
What is your view?" |
Edited by - kobo on 10 Oct 2011 04:07:38 |
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kobo
United Kingdom
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toubab1020
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