As Gambians prepare to head to polls in December to elect a new president, a team from the Ecowas Parliament is currently in Banjul assessing the level of preparations ahead of the election.
Gambians will elect a new president for the first time without former president Yahya Jammeh and the Speaker of Ecowas Parliament, Rt. Hon. Dr. Sidie Mohamed Tunis is part of a fact-finding mission to the small West African country.
On Thursday morning, Mr Tunis met civil society leaders to devise means of conducting free, fair and peaceful elections in The Gambia.
The Ecowas Parliament Speaker reminded CSOs the crucial role they are expected to play in ensuring free and transparent polls, stressing the commitment of Ecowas in ensuring Gambia’s journey to full democratic governance.
The Gambia has been undergoing transition from dictatorship to democratic rule following the defeat of longtime ruler Yahya Jammeh by Coalition government of President Adama Barrow.
The Independent Electoral Commission, a body charged with the responsibility of conducting elections in The Gambia, has released the 2021-2023 electoral cycle, detailing how Gambians will elect new leaders.
The Ecowas top lawmaker said the Banjul visit will avail them the opportunity to gather firsthand the challenges the country is facing ahead of the polls and how best Ecowas can address them with key stakeholders.
During the meeting with CSOs, key issues highlighted included the need for ECOWAS to support The Gambia’s democratic process towards peaceful election in December as well help strengthen transitional laws and structures in place.
Rt. Hon. Dr. Sidie Mohamed Tunis is expected to meet President Adama Barrow as well.
