UDP Online Bantaba

12/01/2025

07/01/2025

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UDP IS CONCERNED OVER IEC's FAILURES IN ENFORCING ELECTORAL LAWS

The National People’s Party has failed, yet again, to meet its obligations as stipulated in the 2015 Elections Amendment law, which requires that all registered political parties hold a congress at least every two years. We recall that soon after its registration in 2019, NPP failed to meet this requirement and sought an extension from the IEC, which was granted.

Failing to meet the deadline by December 31, 2024, they have failed to fulfil their obligations under the law and have sought another extension. We understand that unforeseen circumstances could thwart plans, but this serial violation of electoral laws and IECs continued leniency calls for an explanation. The public is owed that much when laws are violated. The IEC has thus far failed to offer any explanations to justify the extension or to justify their failure in enforcing electoral laws following a repeat of the offence.

Speaking to the Standard Newspaper, the IEC’s Communications Director states; “Even though these are laws, we prefer to do engagements because it is more practicable than sanctions. The sanction is too harsh.”

Why would one’s preference supersede the sanctions laid out by law after they have been violated? Saying this is disappointing is an understatement. It is not the job of the IEC to negotiate the law on behalf of any party. When violations occur, the stipulations are clear, and we expect enforcement from the referee. As we speak, an issue has been brought before the Supreme Court against the government of The Gambia for violating constitutional provisions in presenting the budget to parliament within the specified timeframe by concerned citizens. What then of the IEC? A body that has the job to prove to all Gambians that they are an independent and impartial body.

The constant disregard for provisions of the law by the NPP and the government it constitutes is a violation of the tenets of the rule of law, and the IEC must not be seen to be complicit in that act by failing to enforce the law.

It is telling that the referee who confirms a violation would declare through its communications Director that the sanctions recommended by law are “too harsh” effectively disregarding the law and in the process shielding violators, which raises concerns about IECs impartiality or its ability to enforce laws when the violator is the party in power.

For transparency purposes, we demand that the IEC offer explanations that justify its extension of the congress deadlines and if such requests for extension were submitted in time. More importantly, we seek clarification on whether the reasons stated in the request for extension meet the standards set forth by law.

According to the Communications Director quoted in The Standard newspaper, “we [the IEC] will send them a reminder to conduct it as soon as practicable.” The IEC also needs to let the public know if they have given a specific deadline by which the legal obligations must be met, or if parties are given free reign to determine when to hold their congress after failing to meet the deadline.

Extension of deadlines is not the issue here; the repeat violation and the lack of explanation or consequence is the query, and we await a detailed explanation from the IEC for the public.



UDP MEDIA TEAM

31/12/2024

30/12/2024

Please be informed that UDP Diaspora and Stakeholders Discussion will take place on Thursday, January 2nd, at the Manjai Bureau.

Time: 11.00am to 2.00pm
Symposium youth wing/ Student wing:
16.00pm to 19.00pm.

On same day, Symposium jointly organised by the Youth & Student Wing will be held from 16:00pm-19:00pm.

Thank you

Chairman
Bob Touray
Diaspora Campaign Organizing & Committee

20/12/2024

Current Affairs Show, Fri. 20th Dec. 2024

20/12/2024

UDP leader speaking at an historic event with Association of Disable Members of Kombo East in Pirang, yesterday!

18/12/2024

Current Affairs Show, Wed. 18th Dec 2024

12/12/2024

Current Affairs Show, Thurs.12th Dec. 2024

10/12/2024

Current Affairs Show, Tues. 10th Dec. 2024

09/12/2024

Current Affairs Show, Mon 9th Dec. 2024

06/12/2024

Panel Discussion on Diaspora Homecoming, 20/12/24- 5/1/2025

03/12/2024

Current Affairs Show, Tues. 3rd Dec. 2024

03/12/2024

THE SECRETARY GENERAL & PARTY LEADER NATION WIDE TOUR STARTS ON SATURDAY 7th DECEMBER 2024

The Secretary General and Party Leader- H. E. ANM OUSAINU DARBOE will embark on a nationwide tour from this Saturday 7th December 2024 to 29th December 2024.

The tour will cover the entire length and breadth of the country with rallies in all regions. Issues of national importance will be discussed.

This will be the first tour of H. E. ANM Ousainou Darboe since December 2021.

The main purpose of the tour is to engage and reassure Gambians about the glorious destiny of our nation and the firm commitment of UDP to understand the challenges of our people and together with them salvage our country from the hardship and cost of living crisis brought about by the incompetence of President Barrow and his policies .

UDP MEDIA TEAM