As he edges out of the presidential race, Dr Ismaila Ceesay has announced he will neither endorse any political party or candidate nor enter an alliance with any party or candidate in the upcoming December 4th election.
“Citizens’ Alliance will neither endorse any political party or candidate nor enter into an alliance with any party or candidate in the upcoming December 4 presidential elections,” a statement from the party read.
This comes after the High Court, delivered a landmark judgment declaring that the IEC failed to comply with the provisions and spirit of the Election Act in rejecting the nomination of CA’s presidential candidate and ordering, among others, that
“The applicants are entitled to submit an additional list of names and signatures of Registered voters for the Banjul Administrative Area, having regard to the fact that the 1st Applicant only had notice of the rejection of his nomination contrary to the spirit of section 47(3) of the Election Act Cap 3:01; which invariably amounts to a denial of his rights to deliver a fresh nomination paper and/or cure any defect in his nomination form which is in consonance with all known rules of fairness, equity and natural justice.”
The statement notes that it continues to reaffirm its trust and confidence in the judiciary and will continue to seek legal redress in the courts. Whilst thanking all their supporters, members, sympathizers and the entire Gambian population for their support and for standing by the party during this very difficult period.
“We strongly urge the IEC to stop threading on this self-destructive path and follow the path of the rule of law. The IEC is expected to operate within the framework, spirit and substance of the law and should always be guided by the principle of fairness, equity and transparency. However, for all intents and purposes, CA finds the actions of the IEC to be in blatant disregard of the court order and is of the belief that the Commission is bent on frustrating the party’s bid to contest the 2021 election.”
Meanwhile “Citizens’ Alliance has instructed its lawyers to commence Contempt of Court proceedings against the Chairman of the IEC for willful disobedience of the order of the court.”
It urges all members, supporters, and militants to stay calm, be law-abiding and peaceful at all times. It extends best wishes to all the presidential candidates and wish them good luck and urge every citizen to vote wisely and peacefully.
