The president of The Gambia H.E Adama Barrow, in a meeting held at Ebo Town as part of his ongoing ‘meet the people tour’, revealed that he personally advised the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC)  against election delay ahead of the upcoming presidential election slated for December 2021. 

It came following IEC’s prompt announcement of the postponement of the voter registration which was scheduled to commence on 14th of this month due to some logistical issues. The impromptu announcement sparked heated debate among politicians both online and offline. “I want to inform all concerned political players that The Gambia’s presidential election will take place in December. Electoral matters are a great concern to this government because it’s about respect for democratic values and principles,” he cleared.

“I have discussed with the Independent Electoral Commission and also with our technicians and I have made it clear to them that whatever the case might be, they must ensure Gambians go to the polls by December 4th” he disclosed.

He added that his government is committed now more than ever, to maintain and uphold the constitutional prerequisites of the country in ensuring that it reinforces the democratic gains and respect for the rights of all Gambians. “We want to do everything in accordance with the law and that was why we could not do anything to stop this ongoing tour because 2020 has been a difficult year. It shows we do not and will not joke with the constitution,” President Barrow alluded.

He further stated that the 2021 election is anticipated to be very critical in the history of Gambian politics. “It is going be a very important election and if you want us to continue the good works and further strengthen the peace and democracy, then rally behind this government and vote for the NPP president, chairmen, mayors, NAMs and councillors”

Concluding, President Barrow said since he came into power, his government endeavoured to make many democratic gains which include the “Judiciary independence, and non-executive interference in legislative matters” citing his case with honourable Ya Kumba Jaiteh.

“Our judiciary is now independent, and I do not interfere in judicial cases. We have all seen a case [Ya-Kumba VS Barrow] which was attributed to the president but when the judgement went in the applicant’s way, it stood and that was never happening in the country. It manifests our judiciary is free. The National Assembly is free from executive interference and we have not and will not remove any civil servant for simply differing with our politics,”

By: Fatoumatta Samateh