IEC warns against campaign violence

Alhaji Mustapha L. Carrayol

(DAILY OBSERVER) The Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) has warned against any individual or group disrupting, interrupting or trying to stop any political party or individuals especially the presidential campaign entourage, saying that such acts would not be compromised for the entire period of the election campaign.

A media dispatch from the IEC signed by the chairman, Alhaji Mustapha L. Carrayol, reminds that free political activity and a level playing field are one of the principles of the conduct of a free, fair and transparent election.


The release reads:
Political rights and franchise of the individual are among several rights stipulated and guaranteed in Chapter IV of the 1997 Gambian Constitution.

 Section 26 of this Chapter states that every citizen of the Gambia of full age and capacity should have the right, without unreasonable restriction: to take part in the conduct of public affairs, directly or through freely chosen representatives and to vote and stand for election at genuine periodic election for public office, which election shall be very universal and equal suffrage and be held by secret ballot.

Consequently, the IEC wishes to reiterate the fact that no single individual or group has the authority to disrupt, interrupt or stop any other party or individuals especially the Presidential candidates’ campaign entourages.

Everybody should take note that priority will be given to the campaign itineraries of the Presidential Candidates and that all local campaign programmes should be sent to the IEC Regional Offices across the country for approval. This directive is to be adhered for the entire period of the election campaign.

Remember that free political activity and a level playing field are one of the principles of the conduct of a free, fair and transparent election. Telephone number 4376532 is the hotline for any comments and questions with regard the election.