Rt. Honorable Sidie Muhammed Tunis, the speaker of the ECOWAS parliament in Abuja (Nigeria) while on a state visit to The Gambia called for peace and stability ahead of the presidential election scheduled on 4 December 2021.

Speaking to journalists at the National Assembly on his mission in The Gambia, Sidie M Tunis said the purpose of his visit is to observe on a series of issues as the country’s election draws nearer. He said they have been looking at the preparedness of the country in the electoral processes.

“I am appealing to the people of  Gambia to know that there is only one Gambia and they must do everything possible to ensure that one Gambia is peaceful,” Honorable Sidie Muhammed Tunis said.  “We may have our differences but we must know that without peace we will not talk about elections.”

He urged the citizens, especially the political leaders, to ensure that they guide their words and avoid spreading messages that will create hatred and bring problems to this country.

“Let them preach the message of peace and stability,” he said. Mr Tunis added that the country belongs to The Gambian people. Elections can come and go but the country will remain.

“We have engaged key stakeholders including the speaker of the National Assembly, Chief Justice Assan B Jallow, ECOMIC forces in the country, IEC, CSOs, NGOs Political parties among others to help promote the message of peace since we arrived. As a delegation, we have learn a lot,” he said.

He said the ECOWAS parliament is the organ that represents over 300 million citizens in west Africa. Their welfare and their security is our primary concern because we represent them everywhere in the world.

Mr Tunis added that ECOWAS is responsible to ensure that the voices of the African citizens are heard. “We want to ensure that the citizens are prepared and ready to vote,” he said.

The ECOWAS parliament speaker told journalists that their responsibility to ensure a peaceful election in The Gambia.

“I am very happy with the support that the IEC is getting from the government,” he said. While on his mission, Tunis expressed gratitude to the ECOWAS for supporting The Gambia’s electoral process.

“The IEC has assured us a peaceful election. Our vision is to see a free, fair and transparent election which is free from any forms of harassment and to ensure a peaceful democratic transition,” explained.

Honorable further said one of the issues that was brought to his attention by stakeholders was the access to the state media by political parties. He added that politicians are complaining that the public broadcaster is not covering their activities. “I have already discussed these issues with the ECOWAS ambassador to work on them as soon as possible,” he concluded.

 

By Dawda Baldeh