The National Human Rights Commission has issued a statement over Saturday’s presidential election calling on candidates to follow due process to address any ‘electoral grievances’.
“We urge all political parties and/or presidential candidates to follow due process and procedures to address any electoral grievances in line with the Constitution and other Laws of the Gambia. We exhort all supporters to maintain the peace and be law abiding. It is only in an environment of peace in which we follow the rule of law and due process would we achieve our national aspirations,” NHRC said in their statement.
According to the commission, it some isolated technical challenges observed during the voting among missing names on the Voter List, marbles not fitting in ballot drums, multiple voter registration and delay in the opening of polls. It however said the laid down procedures were generally followed by the electoral officials.
“Overall, Gambians exercised their constitutional right and turned out in large numbers to participate in the election. This is a manifestation of our growing democracy and the people’s full exercise of their right to participate in public affairs and have a say in who governs them,” NHRC said.
“We take this opportunity to thank the electorate and presidential candidates for a peaceful election, the IEC for conducting the elections as per the laid down rules, and the Gambia Police Force for maintaining peace and security throughout the election process. We further commend the IEC for giving priority consideration to Persons with Disability (PWDs), pregnant and nursing mothers and the elderly who came out to vote,” it also said.
