By Landing Colley
The United Democratic Party (UDP) has called for appointment of new officials of the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) ahead of 4 December poll to pave way for free and fair election.
Almamy Taal spokesperson for UDP told The Voice in an interview that “IEC had lot of problems and challenges in managing the affairs of political parties and election processes. Really we have been always advocating for that it need a lot of resources and it need a new set up personnel to transmit its affairs.”
“The time for renewal of the IEC is long past and this is part of our demand because in a young vibrant democracy you need institution that functioning effectively,” he said.
On the Supreme Court Ruling, he said UDP agreed to the decision taken by the Supreme Court on the issue of chairmanship of the Brikama Area Council (BAC).
“The Supreme Court ruling is a very good thing for the development of The Gambia and we welcome it very well, the country is going through transition; laws governing the people must be judged by their content and in their application,” he said.
According to him, it would have been a desirable outcome if the IEC conduct the by-election at the initial stage stated in the 1997 constitution and that is “if you lose your membership from a political party that put you up for the election, you lose your elected position.”
“Every citizen not only political parties must have an interest in election that is peaceful and transparent” so “everybody knows where the political strengthen is and what are political issues that are concern to Gambians. I want them to conduct this process as transparently as possible based on the laws of The Gambia and make sure that they don’t register non-Gambians,” he said.
