The chairman of the Commonwealth observer group in the 2006 presidential elections, Dr Salim Ahmed Salim, has, on behalf of his group, expressed their impression with the general conduct of the election.

The following is the full text of the interim statement issued by Dr Salim.

The results process has begun. It is yet to be concluded. The group would like me to express on its behalf our initial impression of the exercise. We deployed seven groups of two persons each to the seven administrative divisions of the country on the 20 September to observe the 2006 Gambian Presidential Election. Our teams were stationed in Banjul, Brikama, Basse Santa Su, Farafenni, Janjanbureh and Kanilai. As Chairman, I visited as many centres as possible. We established working relationships and exchanged information with other International Observers and local Observer Groups. Our teams sought to obtain a representative sample of the process so as to enable us to arrive at a broad overview.

Each of our groups was present for the opening of the Polling Stations and observed throughout the day at as many Polling Stations as possible. We watched the process of the closing of the voting. Where possible, our observers tracked the process of conveying the ballot drums to the counting centres and watched the counting. We were impressed by the enthusiasm with which the Gambian people exercised their democratic rights. We noticed that even before 7am, voters queued up at Polling Stations in a peaceful and orderly manner.

Polling Officials demonstrated a considerable amount of professional competence in dealing with the few problems that arose. The register seemed to have been adequately compiled and we observed very few cases of voters not finding their names on the register and/or counterfoil. The secrecy of the ballot was assured. Security Officers were present at most Polling Stations and were not intrusive. By and large, our observers witnessed assistance being provided to the aged, expectant mothers and physically challenged voters. Party Agents at most of the Polling Stations expressed satisfaction with the way in which the voting and counting was conducted.

The Independent Electoral Commission deserves to be congratulated for a job well done. On the basis of the above, we are inclined to conclude that on the Election Day, the process was well organised and things went smoothly. The voters were able to express their will and the result will reflect their wish.

A Presidential Election is a process. We have been made to be aware of events in the lead up to the Election Day which might have impacted on the outcome. The timing of the President’s Dialogue with the People Tour and the open demonstration of support by public officers for a particular political party, especially those in the security services, have the potential of affecting the level of the playing field. These as well as other manifestations of abuse of incumbency will be considered and form a part of our overall judgement on the entire process.

This election was held amidst the background of a Commonwealth brokered Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for political parties as concluded on 2 September 2005. That understanding created an atmosphere conducive for the strengthening of the democratic process in The Gambia. Significantly, all the political parties who have met with us declared their recognition of and support for the MOU. It is nonetheless a fact that the MOU has not been adhered to. It is our considered judgement that whatever the outcome of the election, in the interest of stability, understanding and cooperation, the political parties should endeavour to adhere to the spirit and letter of the MOU.

Our observers have started returning to Banjul. We will immediately commence the preparation of our final report, which will also include recommendations for the improvement of the process. It will be completed before our departure from Banjul on 29 September 2006.