EU ambassador warns Gambian gov’t over transparency and accountability
Banjul, Gambia (PANA) - The European Union ambassador to the Gambia, Atilla Lajos, Tuesday warned the government of President Adama Barrow to be transparent and accountable in everything being done in the country.
He gave the warning at the closing ceremony of a workshop on electoral reforms Position Paper being developed by the Independent Electoral Commission here.
“As we work towards rebuilding the trust between Gambians and the State, a key focus should be put on transparency and accountability around everything that is being done,” he said.
The Position Paper is to be submitted to the country’s Constitutional Review Commission.
Among critical issues contained in the Position Paper are issues of nominations, introduction of ballot paper, upper and lower age limits for contesting candidates for political office, academic qualification and declaration of assets.
Lajos called for an effective monitoring and reporting system over campaign financing of political parties in the country, adding that effective monitoring of campaign financing would help in ensuring a level playing field for contestants for public office and enable voters to have an informed opinion on candidates’ financial standing.
“We need to strengthen Gambian democracy; the stakes are too high to reform the system before the next elections. The Mission (EU election observer to Gambia) underlines the importance of continuous and extensive voter and civic education, as well as urging the establishment of an accurate voter register and the provision of timely opportunities for voter registration,” said Lajos.
Alieu Mamor Njai, chairman of Independent Electoral Commission (IEC), said the content of their Position Paper was informed by series of meetings with stakeholders in the electoral process conducted over the past few months.
“Due to the gaps in the existing electoral laws, particularly the Electoral Act, the need for electoral reforms is indeed imperative. The next cycle of electoral activities cannot be efficiently conducted without the appropriate reforms in electoral laws,” said Njie.
-0- PANA MSS/RA 30Jul2019
