The Independent Electoral Commission (IEC), in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) yesterday began a two-day consultative workshop on the theme, 'strengthening the electoral process in The Gambia'.

The objectives of the workshop aim to reflect and come out with resolutions to further streamline and strengthen the electoral process and its various procedures; discuss strategies for enhancing the capacities of the IEC; examine the current approach for the compilation and revision of the voters register and make appropriate recommendations for its updates or   replacement."It can be said without contradiction the Commission has performed incredibly well over the years.   In 2001, most international observer groups gave credit to the people of The Gambia and the IEC for the smooth and peaceful conduct of the Presidential elections."

According to Mustapha Carayol, Chairman of the Independent Electoral Commission, his office has conducted a series of elections since its inception in 1997; and has never been a forum where all the major stakeholders and partners came together to deliberate on the programmes of the Commission, with a particular attention on the electoral process of The Gambia.  

As a result, he added, today's forum deserves to be an avenue for all the stakeholders and partners in our electoral process to speak with one word. The IEC's Chairman posited that since the inception of the Commission in 1997, they have actively taken up their responsibility to create a political level playing field, where all Gambians can exercise their civic rights and responsibilities.

Chairman Carayol added that the Commission also needs more infrastructural and logistical support for its operation, adding that these are essential in developing human capacities.

In a statement delivered on behalf of the Officer-in-Charge of the UNDP, Vitalie Muntean, UNDP Deputy Resident Representative commended the IEC for initiating such an educative fora, thus demonstrating its commitment towards consolidating democratic process in The Gambia.  

Mr Muntean told the gathering that UNDP is highly interested in the outcome of regional consultation, because it is consistent with the UNDP's universally acknowledged role of supporting national electoral systems and processes.

He, however, assured the participants of the UNDP's strong commitment to helping The Gambia in its efforts to have a strong independent IEC, so as to be able to have a credible and transparent electoral system.

For her part, Hon Fatoumatta Jahumpa-Ceesay, Speaker of the National Assembly, said the electoral process in The Gambia have undergone qualitative improvement.

  She pointed out that "the main disgusting feature of this qualitative leap, is the establishment of an Independent Electoral Commission.   "Many of you are aware that in many of the so-called developed countries, there exist no Independent Electoral Commission," she concluded.

Other speakers at the occasion included Robert Anthony Secka IEC, Joseph Colley, IEC's   Director of Communication, and Samboujang Njie. The ceremony was chaired by Sarah Grey-Johnson.

In attendance were a few Secretaries of State and members of the diplomatic missions.