BIRTH OF THE PIEC/IEC

Electoral activities started in The Gambia in the Colonial era though the franchise was confined to only the Colony. It could be deduced from the aforementioned that Gambians have been involved in politics for quite a long time now though the way and manner in which elections are administered differ.

According to Section 64 of the 1970 Constitution, the power for the appointment of the Supervisor of Elections was vested upon the President. Usually, it was the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Local Government and Lands that was appointed for this task. Divisional Commissioners and the Town Clerks of Banjul City Council and Kanifing Urban District Council (now Kanifing Municipal Council) acted as Registered Officers and Returning Officers. The Gambia at this time practiced multi-party democracy which was interrupted on July 22^nd 1994 when the Military took over the reins of Government.

A four year transition programme was outlined. This was objected to by the populace and was later reduced to two years. A task force for the implementation of the transition programme was established. The governance components of the transition programme were developed into a comprehensive governance strategy aimed at a common development objective, to establish and strengthen democratic institutions and the process with a view to enabling and enhancing people’s participation and accountability in a democratic system. Reform of the Electoral System and Processes and Constitutional Reform were one Sub-Programme of the whole strategy.

A Constitutional Review Commission (CRC) was established by decree 33 of 1995. The Commission was mandated to draw up recommendations for the Constitution of the Second Republic. Decree No. 62 of 1995 established the Provisional Independent Electoral Commission. This body was responsible for the administration of Elections and Referenda, Registration of Voters, demarcation of Electoral Boundaries among other things. This body was established on 20^th December 1995.

The Provisional Independent Electoral Commission successfully conducted the Referendum in August 1996 during which the Gambian people overwhelmingly Elections were conducted by this same body after which it was dissolved. The Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) was formed on the 17^th of April 1997 based on section 42 of 1997 Constitution. It is this body that is still responsible for the conduct of all National Elections and Referenda as dictated by Section 43 of the 1997 Constitution and the Elections Decree, Decree No. 78 of 1996.

Aims and Objectives

The Independent Electoral Commission aims at providing the Gambian people with an independent and efficient electoral process that is based on fairness, transparency and trust supported by competent staff for the democratic conduct of all public elections and referenda in The Gambia.

The Commission is committed in maintaining a credible voters register and continuous voter education.

Plans for the Future

The Independent Electoral Commission as the body responsible for all national elections and referenda in the country has so far conducted a general registration of voters and tow supplementary registrations of voters. It has also successfully conducted Presidential, National Assembly, Local Government Elections, Demarcation of Electoral Boundaries and a number of Bi Elections. Presently, the headquarters and the Regional Offices are not totally conducive / suitable for the day to day running of electoral activities. Plots of land have already been acquired for the headquarters and the regional offices. The IEC is presently soliciting funds from both government and donor agencies for the realisation of this project.

Mobility being a major constraint during the exercises – registration, elections or deletions, it is the wish of the Commission that vehicles are acquired in the not too distant future for the smooth conduct of all its exercises.

The Independent Electoral Commission wishes to maintain a well trained, competent, dedicated and motivated staff. This could be done by way of further studies or attachment to other Election Management bodies. With adequate support from government and donor agencies, this goal will be achieved. The IEC will improve

greatly on its already indelible mark in the democratic process of The Gambia.

Information is very essential especially that which concerns the electoral process. The IEC is working hard to put up a website. This will enable people to access information freely from the IEC on the electoral process,

A Task Force is put in place and is mandated with the feasibility studies of extending the franchise to Gambians resident abroad. Their findings will be submitted to the chairman of the Independent Electoral Commission for further action. Government will shortly be apprised of the Commission’s findings and recommendations.

By 2006, we wish to have an adequately equipped Information Technology Division to better manage the voter register. Managing an accurate and credible voter register is one of the major preoccupations of the Commission.

Justification for the Establishment of the IEC

For over two decades in The Gambia, election was under the purview of the Ministry of Local Government and Lands. The credibility of such an important office was questionable and so the need for the establishment of an independent body to take charge of electoral activities in The Gambia. In other words, it is simply a way of divorcing the executive from dictating the affairs of the Electoral Office.

Election is a prerequisite of democracy, and free and fair elections a prerequisite of stability, peace and progress. The IEC being an independent, neutral, transparent and a permanent body ensures this by the conduct of free and fair elections in The Gambia.

The IEC operates by its guiding principles of fair play, integrity, neutrality, independence, credibility, transparency, accountability and professionalism. The members of staff always adhere to the principles of honesty and high ethical standards. With these, the Commission is able to conduct free and fair elections. This is what we are enjoying in the country – peace, progress and stability – prerequisites of development.