Banjul, The Gambia, Saturday 30th October 2021—This morning, aspirants for the much anticipated Presidential elections, the first since the advent of democratic dispensation in 2016, start submitting their nomination documents to the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC)at the Election House, Bertil Harding Highway, Kanifing.
In a few days, aspirants will be informed if they have convinced the IEC beyond all reasonable doubts to contest the 4th December 2021 Presidential elections. Upon IEC clearance, candidates will commence political campaign for the reminder of the month of November.
We recognized that, in a democracy, all citizens have the right and the responsibility to participate in the election process. Candidates have the right to compete in a fair election in which each player has an equal chance to succeed. Also, it should be sacrosanct on all, candidates, electorates, party militants and key election stakeholders, to ensure the security of everyone and institutions are guaranteed throughout the electoral process.
We called on candidates to challenge themselves, advise their supporter and well-wishers and key election stakeholders such as IEC, security, media etc. to work within the confines of the laws governing elections and security of The Gambia.
Elections are ferocious in many societies in the world given the stakes and ours has manifest all indications that, it will be no different. However, evident of our social setup and cultural background, sacrificing to ensure a peaceful election is within reach. We encourage political party leaders to speak for peace throughout your campaign trail and encourage your militants to conduct themselves. As a people, we should frown against hate speech, promote positive peace messaging and build a country on the brink of resorting democratic principles and values.
Safeguarding our peace is a national responsibility—fulfil it, you are a patriot; fail it, you know what that means!
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