A Commonwealth Secretariat team is in The Gambia this week undertaking a Pre-Election Assessment Mission ahead of the country’s election in December, while supporting efforts to strengthen the Independent Electoral Commission’s (IEC) capacity to manage electoral complaints and disputes.
The assessment mission is engaging a wide range of stakeholders to evaluate the prevailing electoral environment and amongst other things, determine whether conditions are conducive to the deployment of a Commonwealth Observer Group for the forthcoming election.
Running alongside the assessment mission, the Secretariat is supporting the delivery of expert assistance in response to a request from the IEC to strengthen the capacity of its newly established legal unit.
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Delivered by an electoral legal expert, the support is designed to enhance the Commission’s ability to address electoral complaints and disputes effectively, contributing to greater transparency, accountability and public confidence in the electoral process.
This assistance follows a recommendation made by the Commonwealth Observer Group that observed The Gambia’s 2021 presidential election, which encouraged the IEC to strengthen its legal capacity. It also reflects the Commonwealth’s whole of election cycle approach, combining election observation with long-term institutional support before, during and after elections to help reinforce democratic governance.
Speaking during the visit, Commonwealth Secretariat staff team leader Lindiwe Maleleka said:
"The Commonwealth’s support does not begin or end on election day. By assessing the electoral environment while enhancing the institutions responsible for delivering credible elections, we are helping to strengthen the conditions that enable people to participate in democratic processes with confidence, while reinforcing the resilience and capacity that underpin democratic governance through practical assistance that responds directly to national priorities."
Throughout the week, the team has been holding consultations with representatives of the IEC, government institutions, political parties, civil society organisations, security agencies, the media, development partners, women and youth groups and other key electoral stakeholders. Discussions are focusing on electoral preparations, the legal and institutional framework, dispute resolution mechanisms, civic participation and other issues relevant to the delivery of peaceful, credible and inclusive elections.
The findings of the Pre-Election Assessment Mission will be submitted to the Commonwealth Secretary-General, Hon Shirley Botchwey, to inform decisions on the Commonwealth’s electoral support and observation arrangements for the December presidential election.
The team is concluding its programme of consultations with a final round of stakeholder meetings on Friday, 24 July before departing for London.
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