Back and Next - Back and NextAhead of local gov’t elections Civil societies pledge to deploy observers
Wednesday, January 9, 2008
The Civil Society Organisations (CSO) Coalition on Elections The Gambia has expressed its readiness to participate in the forthcoming Local Government Elections as election monitors and observers.
The coalition, which is coordinated by the West Africa Network for Peacebuilding (WANEP ) Gambia, was formed in 2006 to facilitate the participation of Gambians in elections as well as contribute to expanding the democratic space in the country for sustainable development.
With a membership of 20 local CSOs, the coalition, which maintains cordial relations with the IEC and the National Council Civic Education, fielded more than 100 observers around the country during the presidential and National Assembly elections.
According to reports from the WANEP Country Office, the coalition will train monitors and observers starting from Tuesday, January 8, in Kanifing, Brikama, Pakalinding and Bansang.
“The purpose of the trainings is to equip monitors and observers with knowledge and skills in campaign monitoring and election observation, which requires impartiality, objectivity and neutrality”.
“The participation of the coalition in public elections in The Gambia augurs well for the development of democracy and popular participation.”
The coalition called on Gambians to come out massively to vote in the elections as they determine the future and destiny of the country. The coalition also called on the candidates and political parties to conduct their campaigns and the entire election process in an atmosphere of peace and calm.
“Elections are one of the major indicators of democracy and a peaceful way of identifying the managers of the resources and affairs of a society. The participation of the coalition has been facilitated by support from the UNDP Gambia Office, and the coalition wishes to register its appreciation to them.
The coalition is also expressing gratitude to the IEC and NCCE for their support since the inception and we pledge our commitment and support to these two very important national institutions for a free and fair elections and an informed citizenry.”
Until the creation of the coalition, observers of elections in the country were conducted by representatives of foreign agencies, governments and organisations. While this may prove positive, it is however in the best interest of the country that its citizens actively participate in elections. This will help to consolidate the gains already registered by the country, and also ensure the active participation of the general populace.
The coalition, which is coordinated by the West Africa Network for Peacebuilding (WANEP ) Gambia, was formed in 2006 to facilitate the participation of Gambians in elections as well as contribute to expanding the democratic space in the country for sustainable development.
With a membership of 20 local CSOs, the coalition, which maintains cordial relations with the IEC and the National Council Civic Education, fielded more than 100 observers around the country during the presidential and National Assembly elections.
According to reports from the WANEP Country Office, the coalition will train monitors and observers starting from Tuesday, January 8, in Kanifing, Brikama, Pakalinding and Bansang.
“The purpose of the trainings is to equip monitors and observers with knowledge and skills in campaign monitoring and election observation, which requires impartiality, objectivity and neutrality”.
“The participation of the coalition in public elections in The Gambia augurs well for the development of democracy and popular participation.”
The coalition called on Gambians to come out massively to vote in the elections as they determine the future and destiny of the country. The coalition also called on the candidates and political parties to conduct their campaigns and the entire election process in an atmosphere of peace and calm.
“Elections are one of the major indicators of democracy and a peaceful way of identifying the managers of the resources and affairs of a society. The participation of the coalition has been facilitated by support from the UNDP Gambia Office, and the coalition wishes to register its appreciation to them.
The coalition is also expressing gratitude to the IEC and NCCE for their support since the inception and we pledge our commitment and support to these two very important national institutions for a free and fair elections and an informed citizenry.”
Until the creation of the coalition, observers of elections in the country were conducted by representatives of foreign agencies, governments and organisations. While this may prove positive, it is however in the best interest of the country that its citizens actively participate in elections. This will help to consolidate the gains already registered by the country, and also ensure the active participation of the general populace.
Author: by Ebrima Jaw Manneh
See Also - See Also