Commonwealth Election Observers Arrive


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The Independent (Banjul)
October 12, 2001  
Posted to the web October 12, 2001  
Banjul  
A nine-member team of election observers from the Commonwealth arrived in The Gambia yesterday just days before Gambians go the polls to elect a new president.
The purpose of the team's visit is to monitor and observe the October 18 presidential election and report back to the Commonwealth about the overall conduct of the election.
According to Commonwealth Secretary General Don Mckinnon the observer group was formed following an invitation from the Independent Electoral Commission of The Gambia to that effect.
The secretariat reaffirmed that there is a broad support from political parties and other groups for a Commonwealth observer group.
The nine member team include a chairman Hon. Mr. PA Sangma MP Former Speaker Lok Sabha India; Dr. Brigalia Bom Chairperson, Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) South Africa; Mr. David Kangah Deputy chairperson Electoral Commission, Ghana; Dr. Keren Brewer secretary general Commonwealth Magistrates and Judges Association UK; Ms. Judy Thompson electoral expert Canada and Hon. Mario Galen MP government whip, Malta.
According to Secretary General Mckinnon three Commonwealth Secretary staff headed by Professor Ade Adefuye special adviser in the Political Affairs Division will support the group. An advance group consisting of Mr. David Kangah and Commonwealth Secretariat staff member Dr. Jackie Dugard had already arrived in The Gambia since October 3 2001.

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