Gambia: observation missions welcome a calm and transparent election

A polling station in the Kanifing district of Banjul, Gambia, during the presidential election on December 4, 2021. © RFI / Paulina Zidi

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1 min

Several observation missions presented their findings on Monday, December 6, the day after the announcement of the provisional overall results of the presidential election in The Gambia on Saturday by the Electoral Commission.

According to these figures, outgoing President Adama Barrow wins with more than 53% of the vote.

Ousainou Darboe, who came in 2nd position with 27% of the vote, disputes the results announced.

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The observation mission of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), like that of the African Union or the Commonwealth, welcome the peaceful holding of a transparent election in The Gambia.

The European Union's mission emphasizes

 in the ballot - the participation rate is around 87% according to the Electoral Commission - and a campaign marked by real competition.

But she also stresses that legal reforms must be undertaken to correct structural weaknesses in the Gambian electoral framework.

A framework that has not been reformed in depth since the last elections in 2016, notes the Commonwealth mission.

The latter salutes the patience and commitment of the Gambian people for democracy in the country.

And urges the population to maintain the same attitude during the post-election period.

But also as the next deadline approaches: legislative elections are scheduled for next April.

The mission calls on political parties, their candidates, and their activists, to protect the calm that prevailed during the electoral process.

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