INTERIM STATEMENT
BY DR SALIM AHMED SALIM
CHAIRPERSON OF THE COMMONWEALTH OBSERVER GROUP
The
results process has begun. It is yet to be concluded. The group would
like me to express on its behalf our initial impression of the
exercise.
We
deployed seven groups of two persons each to the seven administrative
divisions of the country on the 20 September to observe the 2006
Gambian Presidential Election. Our teams were stationed in Banjul,
Brikama, Basse Santa Su, Farafenni, Janjanbureh and Kanilai. As
Chairperson, I visited as many centres as possible. We established
working relationships and exchanged information with other
International Observers and local Observer Groups. Our teams sought to
obtain a representative sample of the process so as to enable us to
arrive at a broad overview.
Dr.Salim
Each
of our groups was present for the opening of the Polling Stations and
observed throughout the day at as many Polling Stations as possible. We
watched the process of the closing of the voting. Where possible, our
observers tracked the process of conveying the ballot drums to the
counting centres and watched the counting.
We
were impressed by the enthusiasm with which the Gambian people
exercised their democratic rights. We noticed that even before 7am,
voters queued up at Polling Stations in a peaceful and orderly manner.
Polling Officials demonstrated a considerable amount of professional
competence in dealing with the few problems that arose. The register
seemed to have been adequately compiled and we observed very few cases
of voters not finding their names on the register and/or counterfoil.
The secrecy of the ballot was assured. Security Officers were present
at most Polling Stations and were not intrusive. By and large, our
observers witnessed assistance being provided to the aged, expectant
mothers and physically challenged voters. Party Agents at most of the
Polling Stations expressed satisfaction with the way in which the
voting and counting was conducted.
The Independent Electoral Commission deserves to be congratulated for a job well done.
On
the basis of the above, we are inclined to conclude that on the
Election Day, the process was well organised and things went smoothly.
The voters were able to express their will and the result will reflect
their wish.
A
Presidential Election is a process. We have been made to be aware of
events in the lead up to the Election Day which might have impacted on
the outcome. The timing of the Presidents Dialogue with the People Tour
and the open demonstration of support by public officers for a
particular party, especially those in the security services, have the
potential of affecting the level of the playing field. These as well as
other manifestations of abuse of incumbency will be considered and form
a part of our overall judgement on the entire process.
This
election was held amidst the background of a Commonwealth brokered
Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for political parties as concluded on
2 September 2005. That understanding created an atmosphere conducive
for the strengthening of the democratic process in The Gambia.
Significantly, all the political parties who have met with us declared
their recognition of and support for the MOU. It is nonetheless a fact
that the MOU has not been adhered to. It is our considered judgement
that whatever the outcome of the election, in the interest of
stability, understanding and cooperation, the political parties should
endeavour to adhere to the spirit and letter of the MOU.
Our observers have started returning to Banjul.
We will immediately commence the preparation of our final report which
will also include recommendations for the improvement of the process.
It will be completed before our departure from Banjul on the 29 September
The Kairaba Hotel
Kololi
23 September, 2006