By Mustapha Jarju
The International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance in partnership with Moral Guarantors and Civil Society Organization on Tuesday 15th February 2022 published election code of conduct as April national assembly elections looms.
The document’s preamble indicated that candidates contesting in the national assembly elections in Gambia, that have been duly certified by the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) to contest in the NA elections will meet in March 2022, at the instance of the Gambian people based on the aspirations of peaceful elections and the Judicial resolution of electoral disputes, it stated.
IDEA indicated that they are mindful of their responsibilities towards the Gambian Citizens and their rights to free and fair elections which they are committing to international standards for democratic elections and taking all necessary and appropriate measures to consolidate democracy and preserve the country`s well-served reputation as a haven of peace, stability and constitutionalism on the African continent.
“Therefore, the international organization calls on the candidates to be committed in maintaining peace in all their political activities before, during and after elections. IDEA commits political parties to ensure uninterrupted and uncompromised freedom of expression and sharing of accurate information. And candidates publicly condemn all acts of violence, intimidation and political thuggery and their instigators and perpetrators at any time during the election process. To refrain from making or causing others to make in our names or in the name of our party, any public statements, pronouncements, declarations or speeches that have the potential to incite any form of ethnic, tribal or religious sentiments during the electoral circle,” it said.
They also called on candidates to cooperate with the IEC, political parties and candidates in ensuring orderly scheduling of political activities to avoid clashes during political activities. And commit to take- all reasonable steps to ensure the safety and protection of electoral officers from any form of threat, violence or abuse.
