CJ calls for peaceful elections ahead of December polls
Hon. Justice Hassan B. Jallow, the Chief Justice (CJ) of The Gambia, has called for peaceful elections ahead of the December Presidential polls to drive national progress, as democracy starts with the people’s voice, expressed through free and fair elections.
It is all about representation, accountability, and giving citizens a say in their governance, he said.
The Hon. Chief Justice was speaking at the third National Dialogue held at the Sir Dawda Kairaba Jawara International Conference Centre in Bijilo. The theme of this year’s dialogue focused appropriately on “Harnessing The Gambia’s Human Capital and Infrastructural Resources for an Inclusive Leap to Prosperity”.
He said the next 12 months are shaping up to be a big deal for The Gambia, with national and local elections on the horizon. “Citizens will have the chance to shape their representation and hold leaders accountable,” he stated.
According to him, the Electoral calendar released by the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) has scheduled the elections to the office of President for 5th December 2026, Elections to the National Assembly for 10th April 2027, Local Government Councillorship Elections for 22nd May 2027 and finally Local Government Mayoral/Chairmanship Elections for 26th June 2027.
He emphasised that elections are indeed a gateway to democracy and to the destination of peace and progress.
He said pursuant to the country’s constitution and other laws, the eligible citizens of The Gambia in the exercise of their sovereign right to self-governance will be selecting their representatives on the basis of universal adult suffrage to be conducted by the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC).
“Our nation has accumulated tremendous experience in elections and referenda since the advent of independence in 1965,” he recalled.
He further stated that it has been an experience of which Gambians should be proud for its fairness and for its reflection of the popular will.
The Chief Justice cautions all and sundry: “We should – all citizens, voters, candidates, political parties, the IEC, the media and all others including the Judiciary who have a role to play in this process – commit ourselves to ensuring that the process is free, fair and peaceful and in conformity with our laws; that the language and the rhetoric of the political campaign and of politics generally whilst necessarily critical remains courteous, respectful, devoid of hate; that we promote national unity and solidarity eschewing tribal, ethnic sectorial or religious divides; that we avoid all actions which may disturb the peace and promote violence; that we resolve all electoral disputes both before and post elections in a peaceful and lawful manner.”
He called on all stakeholders particularly the candidates, their sponsors and the media to assist the voters to make an informed choice based on focusing on the relevant issues.
“In that way I am confident we can and will as a nation successfully navigate, as we have done many a time in the past, this important gateway to democracy, and best equip ourselves to reach the destination of national peace, progress, and prosperity,” he encourages the nation.
Source: The Point
