The head of the ECOWAS Election Observer Mission to the recently held National Assembly election Hon. Mohamed Ibn Chambas, praised the conduct of the polls calling them “peaceful and credible.”Dr. Chambas was at the State House to brief His Excellency, President Adama Barrow of his mission’s observation and findings during the elections. Dr. Chambas described The Gambia as a good example to the rest of the sub-region in the conduct of elections, stating; “The Gambia should be proud of itself”, for maintaining a reputation as a peaceful people, a peaceful country who have delivered a peaceful and credible election.
Continue Reading >>H.E President Adama Barrow’s Congratulatory Remarks on the National Assembly Elections Fellow Gambians,After weeks of intense political activities in the country, I am happy to congratulate all Gambians on the successful and peaceful conclusion of the National Assembly elections held on 9th April 2022. Exercising their rights in what was clearly very keenly contested legislative elections, Gambians made their choice of National Assembly representatives from an unprecedented number of candidates from political parties to Independent candidates. On behalf of my government and family, and on my own behalf, I express deep gratitude to all the peace-loving Gambians who contributed to this historic achievement. With warm sentiments, I also congratulate the Independent Electoral Commission, the security services, political parties, Observers, the media and all other stakeholders for the roles they played throughout the electoral process. The election of diverse political party representatives and independent candidates from different backgrounds is an indication of a vibrant democracy. Yet again, Gambians have fulfilled a vital constitutional mandate in an amicable manner, thus demonstrating that our democracy is thriving. It was another test of the credibility and viability of our institutions and the mechanisms and processes we are strongly determined to safeguard and strengthen. To our credit, as Gambians, we have got over the event with remarkable success. Fellow Gambians, during the political campaigns leading to the 2021 Presidential election and the recently concluded National Assembly elections, the citizens of this nation loudly expressed and showed their passion for efficient public services that would improve their lives and livelihoods. They have demonstrated the desire for stability, sustained good governance, and infrastructural development to boost the performance of all sectors. It is clear that our people wish to maintain an environment that is peaceful, stable, and secure enough for all citizens, which is one of the top priorities of my government. These aspirations can be achieved much faster if we work as a united force. In doing so, we need to be service-oriented and committed to the betterment of the people, strive to advance and strengthen our democracy, and observe the principles of peace and justice for all. These are essential elements for good governance and progress, which we cannot ignore. Ladies and gentlemen, based on party affiliation and trust for some independent candidates, Gambians have duly elected their representatives; none-the-less, we expect all the successful candidates to work together as a legislative body to promote and serve the national interest. At this point, I must congratulate all the successful candidates on their victories, and call on the remaining contestants to join forces with us and work in the best interest of the nation. The fact that you were eligible to contest is an achievement in itself. So, bravo to everyone! In a democracy, we must embrace diversity, and it is significant that, as a country, the Legislature works independently; however, it has to be in partnership with the Executive and the Judiciary to ensure that, jointly, we serve and fulfil the development aspirations of our citizens, within a just environment. Ladies and gentlemen, I expect all Gambians and non-Gambians alike to realise that these are challenging times. This is a period when global politics and instability continue to impact negatively on our local context. We must be ready, therefore, to take up the challenge of working harder, re-dedicating ourselves to duty, and committing enough time and resources to serve the nation, both in the public and private sectors. We are blessed with a youthful population and should explore and utilise its potential to the fullest. I will not conclude without emphasising the need for us to continue to nurture our democracy, protect all rights, and respect the freedom of association and speech, as required by law. As mature and cultured people, we must realise that, once elections end, we are duty-bound to unite and serve the country as one people. Whenever we exercise our political rights and compete in national elections, we do so as actors with different viewpoints, and not as enemies. It is now time to put behind us the divisive politics and hate speeches that seem to divide the nation. This is the time to re-energise ourselves for nation building so that every citizen becomes a winner. To reassure everyone, regardless of the results of the elections, the affairs of the entire country and the welfare of every citizen and resident here will remain central in my concerns and focus. Hand in hand, let us all move on.I pray for the continued peace, progress, prosperity, and security of our people. Long live The Gambia! I thank you for your attention.
Continue Reading >>Gambians have voted in a new legislature, thirty-three of them for the first time. NPP won 18 seats, UDP 15, NRP 4, PDOIS 2, and APRC 2. An unprecedented 12 seats are independent candidates. GDC, GMC, CA, and NUP did not win any seats. Out of the 19 women candidates, only three were elected
Continue Reading >>Gambians are voting to elect national assembly members of the 6th legislature five months after the Presidential elections. An unprecedented Two hundred and forty-six candidates are vying for fifty-three seats in the National Assembly. Eighty of them are independent candidates. Polls opened at 8 am and are expected to close at 5 pm. Reports across the country indicate that voting is peaceful but voter turnout is low compared to the presidential elections. President Adama Cast his ballot at the McCarthy Square in the Banjul Central constituency. He called on eligible Gambians to turn up to the polling stations and vote peacefully.
Continue Reading >>The Independent Electoral Commission on Wednesday conducted a briefing for election observer groups accredited to observe the National Assembly elections on Saturday. The briefing held in Bijilo discussed the modalities and preparedness of the election officials to conduct a hitch-free election. In his statement, the Chairman of IEC Alieu Momarr Njai, gave a rundown of the nomination process recording 251 candidates contesting the April 9 polls. Chairman Njie further informed the observers that measures are in place to ensure smooth, free, and credible elections. The Deputy inspector general of police Inspector Momodou Sowe gave an analysis of the current security.
Continue Reading >>The Center for Policy, Research, and Strategic Studies CEPRASS in partnership with the national endowment for democracy on Wednesday convened a day's opinion sharing session. The study on the country’s post-presidential election was shared with journalists, civil society organizations, and other stakeholders. The forum was held in Bakau. Speaking at the gathering CEPRASS executive director Lamin Dampha gave a background of the project and said opinion polls are useful in making decisions on critical issues. The president of Gambia Press Union Muhammed MS Bah dilated on the importance of media in the dissemination of results on opinion polls.The polls can be accessed on the CEPRASS website: www.ceprass.gm
Continue Reading >>The IEC Regional Office in Banjul has received nominations bids from seven aspiring candidates for the April 9th National Assembly elections. Three aspirants from PDOIS, three from UDP and one from PPP have successfully submitted nomination papers to the IEC IN Banjul on Thursday. They include Ousman Sillah of PDOIS for Banjul North who is seeking a second term in office. Baboucarr Mboge and Mansour Foon of PDOIS are vying for the parliamentary seats in Banjul Central and South respectively. Muhammed Ndow of the PPP is also contesting for the Banjul Central seat. Thursday's nominations process ended with the United Democratic Party (UDP). The party has chosen Momodou Cherno Jallow for Banjul Central, Momodou Lamin B. Bah for Banjul North and Yaya Kuyateh for Banjul South. Similar engagements are also taking place in all the other administrative regions.
Continue Reading >>The Independent Electoral Commission officials at Brikama have rejected the nomination of Momodou sabally for the Busumbala constituency. This is the first time an aspiring candidate’s nomination is rejected on the spot in the run-up to the 2022 parliamentary elections. The IEC rejected Sabally’s nomination citing section 90 (1) (e) of Gambia’s 1997 Constitution. It states that “A person found guilty of abuse of office, corruption, or any offense connected with public elections by a court or anyone found by a report of a commission of inquiry to be incompetent to hold public office because of having acquired assets unlawfully or defrauded the State would also be disqualified”It could be recalled that the Janneh Commission indicted Mr. Sabally for aiding and abetting the theft of D14, 686,500 in relation to Carnegie Mineral accounts.
Continue Reading >>Five National People's Party and one independent aspiring candidate filed nomination bids on day five of nominations in Kanifing Municipality. NPP's Amadou S. Leigh is vying for the Serrekunda constituency, Assan Dampha for Bakau and a former parliamentarian for LK Sabiji Saikou Marong who is seeking re-election submitted necessary documents to IEC officials in Serrekunda. The fifth day of nominations also saw NPP aspiring candidates Fatoumatta K. Jawara of Talinding, Mustapha Lowe of Serrekunda West constituency, and one independent candidate, Ansu Camara of Serrekunda East had their credentials accepted by the Independent Electoral Commission's returning officers in Serrekunda. Another independent candidate Ibrahim Savage was asked to return on Friday after failing to present some major documents.The documents are pending scrutiny after which IEC's Joseph Colley says the aspirants will be given their acceptance letter by Thursday if all their documents are intact after the verification.Speaking to the press after submitting their credentials, all the candidates say they will win in April parliamentary elections.
Continue Reading >>The Leader of the Gambia Moral Congress (GMC) Mai Ahmed Fatty has presented his nomination papers to the Independent Electoral Commission in Basse Mansajang in URR. Mr. Fatty is contesting for the Wuli West National Assembly seat. He told waiting journalists that he is the choice of the people. Ebrima Conteh of the GMC also presented his documents for Wuli East Constituency. Mr. Conteh said was contesting because the people of his constituency were neglected for so many years. He promised to bring development to his constituency if given the chance. Meanwhile, IEC officials handed over an acceptance receipt to Hon Alhagie H.Sowe of The Gambia Democratic Congress (GDC).
Continue Reading >>Only one aspiring candidate from the lower Saloum Constituency appeared before election officials in the central river region on nomination day one. The All people's Party's Ebou K. Gaye arrived at the regional Independent electoral office to present his credentials for the April 6th National assembly elections. Gaye's nomination papers were quickly accepted, allowing IEC officials to vet his credentials pending a public scrutiny. APRC and ANRD party were also expected to present Nomination bids but the two parties didn't file any candidate in the Central River Region.After presenting his documents, Gaye told waiting journalists that he is the right candidate to represent Lower Saloum Constituency. He claimed to have the will and capacity needed for the job.
Continue Reading >>In a landmark move for Gambia’s sports, the Cabinet has approved the National Sports Bill 2024 paving the way for its tabling at the National Assembly for consideration.The Bill, presented last Thursday to the Cabinet by the Honourable Minister of Youth and Sports, Bakary Y. Badjie, was tabled in the form of a Cabinet Paper. After deliberations, it received the green light, marking a new chapter in the governance and development of sports in the country.The proposed legislation provides a comprehensive framework for better governance of sports, including the transformation of the National Sport Council into a Sport Authority, the rights of athletes, sport marketing, and management of associations, among others. Other major highlights of the Bill include the establishment of the Sport Tribunal, Anti-Doping Platform and Sport Development Fund.In reacting to the cabinet’s approval, Minister Badjie expressed optimism that the law will help in the general management of sport, including the creation of a special sport fund and a regulation to manage associations in line with the law and international best practices.
Continue Reading >>The Deputy Chief of Staff at the Office of the President, Mr Alieu Loum, on behalf of His Excellency President Adama Barrow, handed over two (2) brand-new tractors with full implements to beneficiary communities in the North Bank Region (NBR) as part of ongoing efforts to boost rural agricultural production.The tractors were presented to the communities of Ndoofan and Toro Bah at no cost under the Programme for Accelerated Community Development (PACD), a flagship initiative of the Barrow Administration. This gesture is part of His Excellency’s direct response to requests made by the communities during the annual Meet the People Tour.In his remarks, Mr Loum called for unity and urged the beneficiaries to embrace unity and collectively utilise the tractors to increase production, productivity, and food security. He further called on them to take full ownership of the equipment to ensure its durability and lasting contribution to national food sovereignty.Mr Loum further advised the youths to be law-abiding citizens and to safeguard the peace and stability that the country is currently enjoying. He stressed that without peace and stability, there can be no meaningful development or food security; therefore, he urged them to jealously guard the nation’s peace and stability.Mr Loum expressed appreciation to the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Department of Strategic Policy and Delivery (DSPD) for their role in implementing and coordinating the programme.The Governor of the North Bank Region, Mr Lamin Saidykhan, advised the communities to make good use of the gesture and avoid internal conflict.The Chiefs of Lower Nuimi and Lower Badibu, along with residents, thanked President Barrow for fulfilling his promise and pledged to utilise the tractors effectively to maximise their impact on agriculture and community development.Through PACD, the Government continues to allocate resources to strengthen the participation of women and youth in agriculture, while also expanding access to basic amenities and infrastructure. The programme aims to reduce rural–urban inequalities and foster inclusive growth across the country.
Continue Reading >>President Adama Barrow has on Saturday officially handed over the first batch of 60 tractors and assorted agricultural machinery and equipment to selected farmers across the country. The tractors are the first batch of 180 machines procured by the government to enhance agricultural production, productivity and food security in The Gambia. This presentation forms part of the government's long-term strategy to mechanise agriculture in The Gambia and promote commercial farming. The tractors are the first batch of 180 tractors procured by the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Food Security in partnership with Yonna Agribusiness company.The Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Agriculture described this development as revolutionary as it would expand agricultural production, create jobs and enhance food security.The tractors are procured under an existing partnership with Yonna Group, a private financial institution which co-finances 50% of the cost, with payment spread over 4 years. Such an arrangement, Muhamed Manjung, the Chairman of the Yonna Group believes underscores his company's deep connections to rural communities and commitment to strategic investment in agricultural mechanisation and rural economic transformation.Speaking on behalf of the beneficiary farmers Alhaji Ceesay commended President Barrow for pioneering agricultural transformation in The Gambia by providing tractors to local farmers. Ceesay added that the government has also provided fertiliser to rural farmers at a ‘highly subsidised rate.’ These developments, Ceesay disclosed, now place rural farmers at a ‘greater advantage of attaining food security’ and contributing to national socio-economic development. He urged the beneficiaries to ensure the sustainable use of the tractors.President Adama Barrow described the development as a significant milestone in The Gambia's drive towards agricultural mechanisation and national food self-sufficiency. Since assuming office, the President has consistently expressed his desire to transform agriculture into a ‘mechanised, efficient, and business-oriented sector.’This presentation is expected to empower local farmers by providing them with the necessary modern equipment to engage in massive agricultural production to feed the nation and export the surplus to generate foreign exchange to drive growth and create jobs. His Excellency Adama Barrow commended all the parties involved for coming up with this financing arrangement to enhance sustainability, accountability and transparency. He, however, advised the beneficiary farmers to ‘take good care of these tractors and utilise them to make a difference in their lives.’ The President reassured that the government will continue to support farmers by providing them with the necessary tools and technical knowledge, as well as the expertise to enable them to realise their potential. He finally commended the Ministry of Agriculture and Yonna Group for the collaboration and partnership that has led to the successful presentation of the first batch of tractors.The presentation presided over by President Barrow at the State House, was attended by cabinet ministers, senior government officials, farmers and other stakeholders in the agricultural sector
Continue Reading >>The State Intelligence Service (SIS) wishes to inform the public that the Director General, Honourable Ousman Sowe, will embark on a nationwide security assessment tour from Tuesday, 28 October, to Saturday, 8 November.This 12-day tour is a cornerstone of the SIS’s commitment to enhancing inter-agency collaboration and strengthening the implementation of its flagship initiative—the National Security Belt Initiative (NASBI). NASBI focuses on strategic deployments and meaningful engagement with key stakeholders nationwide, with the goal of fostering public trust.During the tour, DG Sowe will inaugurate newly established SIS offices, lay foundation stones for upcoming facilities, visit food security projects, engage with media and meet regional stakeholders at the Governor’s Offices. These engagements will include district chiefs, regional security heads, and visits to key security installations across the regions.The SIS is driven by a steadfast desire to ensure that The Gambia continues to enjoy the peace and stability for which it is renowned. This year’s tour is a continuation of that commitment.Thus the tour is expected to provide DG Sowe with the opportunity for face-to-face discussions with regional authorities, religious as well as opinion leaders and Gambians at large on matters of national security.The SIS wishes to appreciate the goodwill, support and prayers it continues to enjoy from Gambians in all walks of Life.
Continue Reading >>His Excellency, Adama Barrow, President of the Republic of The Gambia, acting in accordance with sections 71 (1) and 71(3) of the Constitution of the Republic of The Gambia has, with immediate effect, reassigned Honourable Baboucar Ousmaila Joof, Minister of Trade, Industry, Regional Integration and Employment to the Ministry of Defence.In the same vein, President Barrow has appointed Mr. Modou Ceesay, Auditor General as Minister of Trade, Industry, Regional Integration and Employment.Modou Ceesay until this appointment was the Auditor General of the Gambia In a related development, Mr. Cherno Amadou Sowe, Director of Internal Audit, is appointed Auditor General and Mr. Masireh K. Drammeh is appointed Acting Director of Internal Audit.
Continue Reading >>Young Gambian wrestlers Muhammed Faal and Ousman Sakho grabbed bronze medals for the Gambia in the 65kg and 60kg wrestling competitions in the ongoing African School Games in Algeria. Muhammed, who faced strong competition from two Algerians and a Tunisian wrestler in the 65kg category, settled for a bronze after missing a spot in the finals.Ousman Sakho, who lost to an Algerian and a Tunisian wrestler in a pool of three in the 60kg category, also settled for a bronze medal. Hopes are high for the other Gambian athletes competing in other disciplines.
Continue Reading >>
