Gambia-l, Below is a press release from the IEC. DATE: Thursday 27th September, 2001 Press Release The Independent Electoral Commission wishes to correct the front-page report in the Daily Observer publication of Thursday 27th September, titled "IEC reduces counting centres to 28". The second paragraph of this publication erroneously states that, "It could be recalled that IEC formally announced that there would be forty-two counting centres countrywide." This is a gross misrepresentation of the IEC as the IEC has never made any such announcement. At no time during the press conference of Monday 17th September held by the IEC, or at any other forum, was it ever announced that there would be 42 counting centres. An earlier error of the Daily Observer in the edition of September 18th 2001 announced 42 counting centres and attributed this position to the IEC. This issue was raised with their reporters in the midst of other reporters on the ground during the nominations proceedings on the same day. The error was based on their lack of attentiveness to the proceedings, and a failure to read the full text of the chairman's speech provided to them after the press conference. The issue of 42 counting centres was only ever discussed during consultations with political parties. It was a proposal presented to the political parties, within the spirit of promoting dialogue and consensus towards the build-up to the elections. It was only presented for the consideration of the political parties but was never an adopted position of the IEC. This proposal was subsequently rejected by all the parties at the consultations, and resulted in an impasse that marred the progressive development of events that had led up to that point. This situation left the IEC with no other option but to discard the proposal and to come up with a unilateral position that would not be subjected to debate. This was the position announced during the press conference. The statement by the chairman gave a detail background of events and discussions held with the political parties, so as to enable journalists that were present to understand the reason for a unilateral decision. The relevant section of the speech states: "…after much debate and discussions, the parties could not come to a consensus as to whether to count the ballot at each of the 800 polling stations countrywide immediately after the vote, or to move the ballots to centralised counting centres located in each of the seven administrative areas." "In the midst of this stalemate, the IEC introduced a compromise, outlining 42 counting centres. These 42 centres would represent the three constituencies in the capital city sharing one counting centre, five constituencies in the Kanifing Municipality sharing one counting centre, and the rest of the 40 constituencies across the country each having a counting centre." "After much deliberation on this option with none of the parties willing to change from their original positions, the IEC was left with no other option but to make a unilateral decision considering the financial, material, human, and security requirements. This decision I now wish to announce:" The announcement made by the chairman at the occasion went on to outline 28 counting centres located across the country at which the ballots would be counted. Copies of his speech were made available to all members of the press present. It was also made available to all Alkalolou who were invited to attend the press conference from the Kanifing Administrative Area, and also to members of the diplomatic corps who were present at the occasion. Subsequently, GRTS stations gave a detail coverage of the press conference including the question and answer session, during their news broadcasts; and the full text of the chairman's speech was later broadcast by the GRTS television. This statement was clear and simple enough for all to understand. The interview that was therefore reportedly held with me was presented totally out of context, and again demonstrates of a pure lack of attentiveness to details. It was made explicitly clear that counting would be done at 28 centres as previously announced by the chairman. And as reported in the last paragraph of the report, it was reiterated that the chairman's statement at the press conference was broadcast in its entirety on the national television. - SIGNED - Said Usuf Director of Training, Communications & Public Affairs This fax is computer relayed and so could not be adequate autographed. For clarification please call my mobile number 963206 PEACE Tombong _________________________________________________________________ Get your FREE download of MSN Explorer at http://explorer.msn.com/intl.asp ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- To unsubscribe/subscribe or view archives of postings, go to the Gambia-L Web interface at: http://maelstrom.stjohns.edu/archives/gambia-l.html You may also send subscription requests to [log in to unmask] if you have problems accessing the web interface and remember to write your full name and e-mail address. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------