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Momodou
Denmark
11824 Posts |
 Posted - 01 Mar 2007 : 12:58:00
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WANEP DECLARES SENEGALESE ELECTION FREE AND FAIR
The West Africa Network of Peace Building (WANEP) Gambia has declared the recently concluded Senegalese presidential elections as free, fair and transparent. This is contained in a preliminary report it issued on 25th February in which it states: "Following our observations in a number of polling stations, and our assessment of the general environment and the media reports we have monitored, we have reached the conclusion that the 25th February 2007 Presidential Elections in Senegal were free, fair and transparent."
According to the statement, the final results of the election reflect the true wish of the people. "We wish to also urge the people and the leaders and political parties as well as the civil society of Senegal to continue to nurture a solid democratic culture and human rights in order to ensure sustainable peace and development," the report concluded.
The report also expressed concerns, particularly the late start of the elections. It noted that in order to avoid the need to extend the voting period, it is important to ensure that polling starts at the stated time.
The report talks about many voters who have not received their voters' cards on time, and some even up to the final moments of the closing of polls. It described this to be grossly unfair and undemocratic as it denied citizens the right and ability to exercise their civic responsibilities.
It went on to note that the voting process was also slow which they found to be attributable to the fact that there were many candidates and the process of voting was complex. In a way it requires some form of literacy or intense voter education. WANEP thus recommends that the voting process be reviewed in order to make it less complex and easy to understand so as to make the process smooth.
West Africa Network for Peace building (WANEP) Gambia is a chapter of the sub-regional organisation aimed at promoting peace, human rights and good governance and sustainable development.
Foroyaa Newspaper Burning Issue
Issue No. 024/2007, Feb 28 - March 1, 2007
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A clear conscience fears no accusation - proverb from Sierra Leone |
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