Foroyaa Newspaper Burning Issue
Issue No. 006/2007, 15-16 January, 2007
EDITORIAL
THE FIRST WEEK OF CAMPAIGN
Foroyaa has been monitoring the quality of the messages by the different
candidates on Radio, television and the campaign platform. We have also been
examining the reaction of party supporters in the various constituencies. On TV
and radio some candidates have promised to ensure that roads are built and
projects initiated in their constituencies. Even some opposition candidates have
made such promises. Some even mention concrete roads such as Mandinaba –
Seleti Road. Since April, 2006 works to construct the Barra – Amdallai Road,
Transgambia Highway, the Basse – Sabi Highway, Soma – Basse Highway and the
resealing of the Mandinaba – Seleti Road should have commenced because the
European Union had accepted to finance their reconstruction. The National Civic
Education Council should have helped the Gambian people to know the functions
of the executive, the legislature and the area and municipal councils. Taking
the views expressed on political platforms it appears that many of those who
speak cannot distinguish the functions of the different organs of the state.
The preamble of the constitution states; “The functions of the arms of
government have been clearly defined, their independence amply secured with
adequate checks and balances…….” In short, no one is qualified to be a National
Assembly member if one is a member of a municipal or area council or a
secretary of state. It is not the responsibility of the National Assembly to
formulate and execute policies. This is why the National Assembly is not given powers
to collect taxes and implement projects. The National Assembly is
responsible for making laws, ratifying international agreements and monitoring the
policies of the executive and the nature of their implementation. It is the
executive or the cabinet that is responsible for policy formulation and
implementation. Hence, if a National Assembly Member wishes to take part in policy
formulation and execution he or she should request to be appointed a Secretary of
State.
In the same vein, if a National Assembly member wants to bring stand pipes,
markets, garages and build roads he or she should seek to be a mayor or
chairperson of a council or councillor.
A National Assembly member cannot indeed do for the executive or the
councils what they have neglected to do or are incapable of doing.
Notwithstanding this, the real problem of ignorance in matters of governance
is the lack of civic education. This should have been promoted by the
leadership of political parties and the National Council for Civic Education which
is given the following functions under Section 199 of the Constitution.
(a) to create and sustain within society an awareness of the principles and
objectives of the principles and objectives of this Constitution as the
fundamental law of The Gambia
(b) to educate and encourage the public to defend this Constitution against
all forms of abuse and violence;
(c) to formulate, from time to time, for the consideration of the
Government, programmes at national and district levels aimed at realizing the objects
of this Constitution;
(d) to formulate, implement and oversee programmes aimed at inculcating in
the citizens of The Gambia awareness of their civic and fundamental rights,
duties and responsibilities.
(e) to educate the citizens of The Gambia about international, regional and
sub-regional matters relevant to The Gambia and
(f) such other functions as an Act of the National Assembly may prescribe
We hope after the National Assembly elections Gambians will insist that the
council functions as expected. The IEC should also not wait for the
complaints of political parties. It should monitor the messages on the ground and
issue periodic statements to caution political party representatives to desist
from violating the code of conduct. For example, some supporters of a given
party openly tell youths that how they vote will be known and those who vote
otherwise will be deprived of all benefits. Some women even got into the
compounds of their neighbours who had decided to vote differently in the National
Assembly election. A gang of them physically confronted the supporters of
another party which almost led to a police case but was handled through
negotiation. The IEC should continue to conduct voter education so that everyone will
be free to express his or her will without enticement or intimidation.
JESHWANG INDEPENDENT CANDIDATE WITHDRAWS
Bubacarr K. Sowe
Modou I. Cham, Independent Candidate for the Jeshwang Constituency has
confirmed his withdrawal from the January 25th National Assembly polls.
Mr. Cham alias MC, told Foroyaa on Saturday that his decision was voluntary
and was done in order to give chance to the APRC candidate. “I withdrew this
morning,” he said.
Cham added that he had informed the Independent Electoral Commission (I.E.C)
about his withdrawal.
It has been discovered that Neneh Macdouall Gaye, Secretary of State for
Information, Communication and Technology had a meeting with Mr. Cham on
Saturday. SoS Gaye was seen with Haddy Jagne the Jeshwang candidate for the APRC,
accompanied by some APRC supporters at a home opposite Mr. Cham’s residence
where they had a meeting.
NADD Rally In SK Central
By Modou Nyang
Halifa Sallah has called on people to do away with politics of tribalism and
sectionalism, describing it as a menace and a recipe for anarchy and
national disintegration.
Addressing a well attended rally at Bundung Borehole on Saturday, the
incumbent National Assembly Member and NADD candidate for the Serrekunda Central
Constituency warned the electorate to be mindful of such type of politics as
they only breed disunity and disintegration in a country.
Elaborating further on the issue, Sallah indicated to the gathering that
there is no national document which is classified on the tribal or language
differences of the Gambian people, noting that all Gambian citizens are issued
with the same document without regard to the person’s language. “There is
noting like a Wolof or a Manjago passport, or voter’s card, anybody who is a
Gambian citizen is issued with the same passport or voters card” he put to the
people, amid thunderous applause.
As the battle for the hearts and minds of the people intensifies in
Serrekunda Central, Halifa Sallah in a seeming response to his critics, said that it
is not the duty of a National Assembly Member to construct roads, build
markets, provide clean drinking water and the like to the people. He said this is
the responsibility of the President who manages the national wealth of the
country and the councils who collect rates and dues from the communities, to
provide such amenities.
“The people have already elected a President who is entrusted with the
responsibility of managing the wealth of the country and administers the laws of
the country. You also have Councillors and a Mayor who are responsible for the
collection of refuse, the provision of markets, feeder roads and pipe borne
drinking water for your wellbeing. If any body comes here and says that your
National Assembly Member did not build you markets and provide drinking water
know that the person is exposing the President and your councillors for
failing their duties”. And he continued “I have been doing my responsibility to
the fullest, it is just because of the inefficiency of the GRTS who fail to
adequately cover the proceedings of the National Assembly, which is why you do
not know what is exactly happening at the Assembly. I scrutinise every thing
that is brought to the National Assembly and at the Pan African Parliament
in South Africa too, I contribute to every proceedings of the house more that
any other member from the Gambia”.
Halifa further indicated that the services he provides at his office and
other humanitarian gestures like the paying of the fees of students and
providing free IT training, is not a duty of a NAM, but that as a human being one
must strive to achieve something on earth. He finally called on the people to
choose who ever they think can best serve their interest.
DR. LOUM STILL IN DETENTION
By Bubacarr K. Sowe
Dr. Badara Loum, a former-Permanent Secretary at the Department of State for
Agriculture is still in custody, a source revealed. Dr. Loum was arrested
over a month ago.
According to a source, he was picked up by plain clothes officers at his
house on the 13th of December, that is shortly after he was relieved of his
duties as Permanent Secretary at the aforesaid Department. The whereabouts of
Loum and the reason prompting his arrest and detention is yet to be announced.
Earlier on, the National Intelligence Agency had refuted a newspaper report
that he is in their custody.
His family have however declined to comment on the issue surrounding his
detention.
AT THE COURT MARTIAL
CAPTAIN SECKAN TESTIFIES
By Bubacarr K. Sowe & Abdoulie G. Dibba
On Thursday 11th January, 2007, Captain Seckan testified before the court
martial. He said that on the day in question while he was in his office, a
short time after noon, Lieutenant Dem, now Captain Dem informed him (Seckan) that
he (Dem) had received a telephone call from Captain Bunja Darboe that he
(Dem) and him (Seckan) are to report to him (Bunja). He also said that when they
went to his (Bunja’s) office, he (Bunja) asked them whether they knew what
was in the making and they said “we did not know”. He then said that (Bunja)
expressed surprise that they did not know what was happening. He said (Bunja)
then told them that the Armed Forces in the Gambia are trying to overthrow
the government of the Gambia and then asked if they had got the information.
Seckan told the court that they (he and Dem) asked Captain Bunja Darboe who
the officers trying to stage the coup were. He said Bunja told them that the
officers involved were so many that he could not tell them all those
involved. Captain Seckan said at that stage, he told Bunja that if he wanted them to
also join him, then they too should know all those who were involved. But he
said that Bunja insisted that they were just too many. He said he then asked
Bunja how many are involved at the GAF headquarters. In response Bunja
started giving him the names of those involved namely, himself (Bunja), Abdoukarim
Jah and Lieutenant Alieu A. Bah. Seckan said he then asked Bunja for the
names of those involved at Yundum Barracks. In response Bunja gave the names of
Captain Wassa Camara, to take care of Yundum Barracks; Captain Yahya Darboe to
take control of Farafenni Barracks and he (Captain Seckan) and Lieutenant
Modou Alie Bah to take care of Fajara Barracks. The witness said at that
juncture he asked Captain Bunja Darboe why he was not told earlier given the
enormity of the task. Seckan said Capt. Bunja Darboe could not give a reply to him
but told him that the operation is at high gear and that all preparations
were at their final stage.
Capt. Seckan asserted that he then asked Capt. Darboe when the operation was
going to start, and Capt. Darboe replied that the operation would start at
2:00 am on the 22nd March, 2006 after the President travelled to Mauritania.
He said that Capt. Darboe also made mention of two senior non-commissioned
officers; RSM Bah and Manlafi Corr who were to be responsible for maintaining
vehicle check points and also arresting those to be arrested. It was at that
stage Capt. Seckan said, that he got up from the seat and told Captain Bunja
Darboe that “you people are ready to die tomorrow.” He said in response Bunja
said while looking into his eyes “but we are all officers.” Seckan said, he
then told Capt. Bunja Darboe, “the fact that you called us here is a
testimony that we are all officers.” He said he then told him that if he wanted to
talk to him on this issue, he had to meet me in his office and he agreed to
meet him in his office at 3 pm.
While leaving his office Captain Seckan said he told Bunja that he (Bunja)
would help him to die but not to get his money. Seckan said Bunja asked him
which money, and he told Bunja his UN mission money. Seckan then said that
Bunja asked him whether he had not received his money and Seckan told him in
response to go to the finance office to clear his doubts which Bunja did. The
witness then said that when Capt. Bunja Darboe went to the finance office it
was confirmed to Bunja that he did not receive his money.
Captain Seckan now told the court that he returned to his office where he
met Capt. Dem and where they finalized that they were not going to be part of
the plot and that as officers their duty was to work against the coup plot.
Capt. Seckan told the court that they decided to contact the NIA as they (NIA)
were the most competent authority at the time. He said that they (Dem and
himself) agreed to contact the NIA individually. Captain Seckan indicated that
he contacted his NIA counterpart and requested him to report to his office and
the NIA officer agreed. He said, shortly after this communication, he saw
the presidential motorcade leaving for the airport. He said he made another
call to his NIA counterpart to inform him how much he needed him but the NIA
counterpart told him that he was somewhere in Serrekunda and could not make it
back to Banjul. Capt. Seckan indicated that after emphasizing the urgency of
the matter Capt. Dem came to him (Seckan) and told him that he was to attend a
burial. Seckan said Dem left and he (Seckan) stayed in his office till
closing time (4 pm) but up to that time Capt. Darboe did not turn up for the 3pm
appointment. He said he (Seckan) then went home, changed his clothes, had his
lunch and went to Tina’s Bar and Restaurant in Bakau where he called his NIA
counterpart. Captain Seckan said his NIA counterpart came and he (Seckan)
told him the story as narrated. The witness said at this point, after the
narration, his NIA counterpart attempted to talk to his superior at the NIA but due
to poor network, he could not contact anybody at the NIA. He said they then
dispersed and the NIA officer promised to make a follow up. He said all this
happened on Monday, 20th March, 2006.
The witness now proceeded to Tuesday, 21st March, 2006. He said on that day
when he reached the office, he asked Capt. Dem whether he had received a call
from Capt. Darboe and he (Dem) replied in the negative. Capt. Seckan then
indicated that he told Capt. Dem that he (Seckan) would call Capt. Bunja since
he had not honoured the appointment and did not call either. He said he
called him and asked why he did not honour the appointment. Seckan said Capt.
Bunja Darboe apologized and said he could not honour the appointment because he
was in Lamin, Kombo North. He said Capt. Bunja Darboe then read his (Bunja)
operational order for him (Seckan) which he objected to on the basis that he
told Bunja to come to his office and since he had failed to come he (Bunja)
should not talk to him about the coup plot again, Captain Seckan pointed out
that he then dropped the phone off but that before dropping the phone, Captain
Bunja Darboe scheduled another appointment with him at 3 pm the same day,
Tuesday 21st March, 2006.
The witness said, a little later after talking to Capt. Darboe a charge
sheet was brought to his office which he communicated to Ndure Cham who asked him
(Seckan) to come to his office with the charge sheet and the Sergeant. He
said that he then called the NIA and told them that he (Seckan) was going to
Ndure Cham’s office for a meeting. He said, the NIA personnel told him that
they had got the information and that they were on the ground. He said he then
went to the former CDS’ office but he could not go with the said Sergeant
simply because he was not at work.
Seckan told the court that when he reached his office, the former CDS asked
whether he had met Captain Darboe. He said, he replied that Bunja told him
something scanty but that they had arranged to meet again.
At that stage Seckan said, the former CDS told him that there is nothing to
joke about; that their operation to overthrow the government was at high gear
and that he (the CDS) had given out his last charity and nothing would stop
it. He said the CDS went on to tell him (Seckan) that they were making the
list of those to be arrested and that once the list was ready, he (the CDS)
would make it available to him. He told the court that those in the list
included the current CDS Col. Tamba and Captain Badjie. He said at that stage, the
chief clerk of the Gambia Armed Forces entered and they suspended the
discussion. He said the CDS then examined the charge sheet and pointed out some
errors and asked him (Seckan) to reproduce the charge sheet. He said he left for
his office at this stage and when he reached his office, he called the NIA and
told them what had transpired between him and the former CDS, Ndure Cham.
The witness said that after this, his NIA counterpart told him to meet a
senior officer of the NIA. He said he agreed to meet him after working hours but
not at the NIA headquarters and suggested an appointment at Leybato Bar and
Restaurant at 3 pm the same day. He said he then told Captain Darboe that he
would not be able to honour the appointment and Darboe responded positively.
While in his office, Seckan said, he saw the former CDS drive in to join him.
He then went to Captain Dem’s office, where he saw an NIA operative watching
through the window while the CDS was parking his car. Captain Seckan told
the court that he then told the NIA operative and Dem to remain in Dem’s office
while he returns to his office. He said the former CDS met him there and
told him that he (Ndure Cham) had come from the Security Council meeting and
that he was surprised that nothing was made mention about the coup plot. He said
the CDS asked him whether he had the list of those to be arrested and he
(Seckan) replied in the negative. He said, the CDS then told him that the list
was under preparation and once it was ready, it would be given to him to
conduct arrests. Seckan told the court that the CDS emphasised to him that anybody
who resists arrest should be shot at, soldiers would shoot at him if he
fails to do this. At this stage Seckan said, he told Ndure Cham that Capt. Bunja
Darboe told him that the meeting would be at Leybato at 8 pm and he the CDS
told him that Capt. Bunja Darboe would call him since the place would be
changed.
The witness said, moments later, the former CDS left his office when it was
approaching closing time and he called the NIA for a meeting at 6 pm at a
place yet to be determined.
Captain Seckan indicated that when the former CDS left his office, Capt. Dem
came out to meet the CDS. He said, on his way out he received a call from
Capt. Bunja Darboe indicating that the Leybato venue had changed to a place he
(Darboe) could not tell him yet.
Seckan said that Capt. Darboe told him to wait for him in his (Seckan’s)
office to pick him up at 7.30 pm to take him to the venue that was yet to be
determined. He said he called him (Capt. Darboe to tell him where they could
meet. Seckan said that he called the NIA to re-schedule their meeting for 5 pm.
He said he then got home, changed clothes and went to look for a place to
meet the NIA and after locating the place, Seckan said, he called the NIA and
told them where he was and how they could get there. Capt. Seckan indicated
that the NIA operatives turned up and his NIA counterpart asked him to narrate
the story to his superior as he (Seckan) narrated to him (the counterpart)
which he did. The witness said because they spent so much time and it was
approaching the appointed time for Capt. Darboe, he asked to leave so that he could
attend the meeting. He said the NIA officer asked him to wait where he was,
while he dropped his superior. Captain Seckan said that soon after the NIA
officer left, former CDS Ndure Cham called him and directed him to call Capt.
Bunja Darboe and inform him that the operation should start at 8 pm. The
witness told the court that in response he put off his phone. Captain Seckan
indicated that he proceeded to look for a telecentre and on his way, he met the
NIA operatives and told them that the operation would start at 9 pm instead of
2 am. Captain Seckan told the court that he then suggested to the NIA
operatives to start the arrests by 9 pm. Seckan said that he was then asked to go
and meet the NIA at a place an when he (Seckan) did, he was put under custody.
WITNESS DENIES DOUBLE STANDARDS
Captain Saikou Seckan has denied playing double standards when the March
21st abortive coup was being planned. He testified before the Court Martial on
Friday.
Captain Seckan testified that he was only supporting the government camp at
the time, and all his movements were known to the National Intelligence
Agency (NIA). Asked whether he gave out any charity for the success of the coup d’
etat, he said he gave it for security purpose, since the plotters wanted to
be successful and he also wanted to be. Captain Seckan added that the candles
found in a drawer at his office were not part of the charity to complement
the efforts of ex-Chief of Defence Staff, Colonel Ndure Cham. He said since the
electricity supply in his office was not regular, he kept it there to light
it in the absence of electricity. On why he told Colonel Cham the candles
were part of the charity he gave out, he answered that Cham was playing a
psychological warfare on him and he has to show him that he gave a charity.
He also said that he was given blank sheets of papers on March 21st to write
a statement which he said was certainly not less than two pages. He denied
being charged or accused at the time, and was not cautioned before he worte
the statement. He said he wrote a second statement on the 3rd of April, but
said he cannot tell whether it was a cautionary statement. He was asked by the
defence whether he is saying the truth since he said in the statement it was
voluntary, Seckan said that is his understanding of the language. Asked
whether he can recognise his third statement, he answered “yes.” He added that he
wrote two statements and signed them all. Seckan adduced that he did not
precisely read over all that he wrote before signing.
On the involvement of Captain Wassa Camara (3rd accused) in the coup plot,
he said that he does not know. Seckan also admitted in court that there was no
point in time when he had spoken to Captain Camara on anything linked to the
coup. Asked whether Camara has a good track record of being a good soldier,
he said: “I know him of being a discipline officer.”
In an earlier cross examination by Borry Touray, he said there was only a
proposed meeting, which never happened. He agreed with the defence that apart
from his line of communication with the NIA operatives, he never communicated
with any of the accused persons. Consequently, Seckan said he had done so
with Captain Bunja Darboe alone and no other accused person.
JOURNALISTS TRAINED ON HEALTH REPORTING
By Bubacarr K. Sowe
Members of the Association of Health Journalists (AOHJ) on Thursday attended
a one day training on health reporting at the National Nutrition Agency
(NaNA) offices in Bakau.
The session jointly organised by the World Health Organisation and the
Department of State for Health explored general health reporting, on Malaria,
birth and death registration, disease surveillance and other aspects of health
journalism. Pa Modou Faal, the president of AOHJ revealed that there has been a
significant breakthrough in the reporting of health matters in the country.
Mr. Faal called on health experts to provide information to communication
experts at the right time, noting that their close collaboration will uplift the
health status of the public.
WHO’s Communication Officer in The Gambia, Momodou Gassama, said the Media
plays a crucial part in the achievement of sound health care. He said that
journalists are always helpful in informing the people at a time when it is
necessary for significant information to be made available to the public.
Amadou Sowe, the Programme Manager at the Health Education Unit at DOSH said
journalists must understand the challenges in the information market such as
messages from those whose primary concern is not the people’s health, but
their own profit.
“The information world is dominated by hazard merchants who benefit
economically from the active promotion of products, behaviours and choices that pose
serious health risks,” Sowe said.
Alison Offong, head of the Communication Unit at the Medical Research
Council (MRC) noted that crucial reformulation is happening at MRC and it will
enhance the work of health reporters.
We now open a column in which we will publish the profiles and views of all
the candidates in a constituency together with their photographs, so long as
they are willing to talk. We start with Serrekunda East Constituency.
UDP CANDIDATE FOR SERREKUNDA EAST SPEAKS
By Annia Gaye
The United Democratic Party (UDP) candidate for Serrekunda East constituency
Bunambass Kongira has stated that his reason for contesting the National
Assembly seat for Serrekunda East, are his constituency’s lack of development
and the constituency’s MP’s poor performance. “I decided to stand and contest
against him,” he said. Mr. Kongira was speaking with Foroyaa at his residence
in Tallinding. He noted that he has been for his constituency, but added
that he could not make any promise. He however promised that when elected as
National Assembly Member for Serrekunda East, he would make sure that the
problems which his constituency is facing would be solved. He said the problems
include water shortage, electricity, poor road network and even lack of
understanding between the people of his constituency. He went on to say that these
problems could only be solved by exposing them at the National Assembly so that
the relevant authority would take decisions to solve them.
He revealed that, this is his first time of contesting for the National
Assembly seat or engaging in politics, but he relied on the many things he
claimed to have done, his ability to interact with people and the immense respect
given to him by the youth, women, elders and community at large. He outlined
the role of a National Assembly as making law and being “a messenger between
the people and the government.” He finally called on his supporters to be law
abiding and to respect each other and society at large in order to maintain a
Free and Fair election.
“I WILL NEVER BE A YES MAN IN THE ASSEMBLY”
PA SAINEY JALLOW
By Annia Gaye
The Independent Candidate for Serrekunda East Constituency, Mr. Pa Sainey
Jallow, has said that he would never be a “yes man” in the House if elected in
the forthcoming National Assembly Elections. Mr. Jallow who is resident in
Fagikunda said he will not be nodding his head to please anybody, nor would he
support a Bill if it does not serve the interest of The Gambian people.
Outlining the reasons why he wants to serve Serrekunda East Constituency, Pa
Sainey said, “ I want to reduce the pushing and fighting at the public taps in
Serrekunda East. Our wives’, sisters and children cannot be enemies because of
water problems.”
He further said that he is very much concerned about the poor state of the
roads, especially during the rainy season, with potholes or pools of water
every where. “I will endeavour to mobilize the community to work together to
improve the situation in our neighbourhoods,” he said. On how resources are to
be mobilized, Mr. Jallow explained that fund-raising activities will be
organised. Mr. Jallow also talked about the consciousness of the people and said “I
will work towards creating awareness of the constitution of The Gambia for
the people in my constituency to enable them know about their rights and
obligations as citizens and voters.”
He called on all his supporters to abide by the laws of The Gambia to avoid
intimidation, violence and humiliation in his campaign and urged them to keep
calm, maintain peace and vote in a peaceful and decent manner in the
election.
He concluded by appealing he appealed to voters to put the interest of the
country above any person’s personal interest and vote for those who will best
serve them. “The Gambia is one, the people are one. Elections comes and go
but the Gambia and the people remain,” he reasoned.
FABAKARY TOMBONG JATTA FULL OF CONFIDENCE
By Annia Gaye
The APRC candidate for Serrekunda East constituency Fabakary Tombong Jatta
has said that he has no doubt that he will outclassed his opponents come the
National Assembly Election. Bolstering his claim, Jatta said all the political
heavyweights and opinion leaders are supporting him, noting that a mass
reconciliation exercise has been carried out within the APRC. “We have been
winning for the past tem years,” he said.
Jatta said he plans to collaborate with NGO’s such as the Vision Development
Foundation in order to bring development programmes in his constituency. He
said a multi purpose Youth Center Project for Serrekunda East has been
approved by benefactors. He noted that he will make sure that some parts of
Serrekunda East will be provided with pipe borne water and telephone service.
Jatta said the role of National Assembly Members are to legislate laws and
to act as an oversight institution. He said it is the National Assembly that
approves loans and international agreements. He advised his supporters to
maintain discipline and respect in abide to ensure free and fair election. He
cautioned them not to personalize their speeches, but to elaborate on issues
that would benefit the people.
“DEMONSTRATE RESPECT FOR THE LAW”
SAYS IEC VICE CHAIRMAN
By Amie Sanneh & Madiba Singhateh
The Vice Chairman of the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) Malleh
Sallah has urged Election Officers to demonstrate respect for the law during the
election period as stated in the constitution and Elections Decree No.78. Mr.
Sallah also said Election Officers need to be impartial and neutral, noting
that if any staff of the IEC is not impartial, it affects the efficiency of
the IEC.
The IEC Vice Chairman made these remarks while addressing 120 Election
Officers at a training on Election procedures at GTMI in Kanifing. The training
was organised by IEC. He added that this training is being organised to address
the deficiency they faced during the last Presidential Elections. He however
revealed that the most difficult part in election is the counting
proceedings. Mr. Sallah said one needs to be “very accurate” when counting. He noted
that though the last election was successful, and they were pleased with them,
there is need to address some lapse.
As Election Officers, he said they need to be seen as service oriented to
the votes. He added that they are duty bound to serve voters as long as they
have valid voters card. For his part, the course Director Joseph Colley said
the objective of the training is to enhance the capacities of Election Officers
countrywide. He added that participants constitute 90 Assistant Returning
Officers, Divisional Commissioners, Security and two representatives of each
candidate.
The people who are selected countrywide he said, will in turn train their
colleagues in their specific region to ensure every part does his/her own work.
The Director of Operation at the IEC, Sambujang Njie said they have 2,800
polling staff countrywide. He said seven police commissioners are also included
in the training and they will in turn train their members in the seven
regions
Mr. Njie said the aims of the training is to close the gap encountered
during the presidential election. For the National Assembly Elections, this is the
first level of training conducted by IEC. A second one is expected to take
place this week.
To unsubscribe/subscribe or view archives of postings, go to the Gambia-L Web interface
at: http://listserv.icors.org/archives/gambia-l.html
To Search in the Gambia-L archives, go to: http://listserv.icors.org/SCRIPTS/WA-ICORS.EXE?S1=gambia-l
To contact the List Management, please send an e-mail to:
[log in to unmask]
|
