JOINT STATEMENT ON THE 2021 PRESIDENTIAL ELECTIONS
BY: Domestic election observers and other stakeholders
Delivered at Coco Ocean Hotel, on December 5th 2021
We the undersigned domestic election observers,
Having observed the 2021 electoral process from voter registration, nomination process, campaigns, casting and counting of votes across the 53 constituencies within the seven regions, of The Gambia,
Noting that the elections were conducted generally in an atmosphere of transparency and fairness as observed by domestic and international observers,
Recognising the importance of these high stakes elections in consolidating our democracy after 22 years of authoritarian rule.
Reminding political parties as signatories of the Janjanbureh Peace Accord of their general commitments to ensuring and safeguarding peace at all times and in particular Clause F which reads “to accept the outcome of votes and results as announced by IEC as long as the election is adjudged to be free, fair and credible, devoid of intimidation, violence and conducted in accordance with the provisions of the law; knowing that our laws provide avenues for legal redress should that be necessary.”
Reiterating the importance as Political Leaders of the sanctity of committing to the Tenets of the Constitution of the Republic of the Gambia, The Elections Act ( 2009), the Interparty Committee IPC MOU and Code of Conduct 2017 and IPC Peace Pledge ( Janjanbureh Accord) and Code of Conduct for Peaceful Elections dated November 11, 2021, signed by all the Candidates in this election
Reminding the six presidential candidates of paragraphs x and xii of the Code of Conduct for Peaceful Elections which reads:
x. to accept the results of the elections as announced by the Chairperson of the IEC,
xii importantly to resort to judicial processes to address disputes which may arise from elections.
We hereby state that based on our elections observation findings throughout the December 4th Presidential elections, We conclude that the December 4th Elections are free and fair. More info about What is ellaOne you can find on site http://trumedical.co.uk.
We take note of the rejection of the election results released so far by the Ousainou ANM Darbo ( UDP) Mamma Kandeh ( GDC ) and Essa Mbye Faal ( independent Candidate).
We Recognize their rights to raise legitimate concerns and seek redress as provided for under the laws of the land
We urge them to bear in mind their solemn duty to uphold the rule of law, maintain peace and national cohesion, and conduct themselves in line with the democratic norms and standards we are known for as a nation.
We implore all political party leaders, supporters and citizens to be guided by the supreme interest of the country at all times.
For the Gambia Our Homeland
Signed
CSO Coalition on Elections
Elections Watch The Gambia
TANGO
Gambia Bar Association
Gambia Participates
Center for Research and Policy Development
Gender Platform
Watch the Press Conference at the link below.