The Independent Published Monday, April 2, 2001

As As electoral body prepares for October elections IEC considers
voting chance for Gambians abroad

The Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) is devising modalities to
facilitate Gambians abroad to vote in the October parliamentary and
presidential elections. Said Yusuf the IEC communication officer has
revealed plans by the electoral body to give Gambians abroad access to
take part in this year's elections. If successfully implemented, it
would be the first chance for Gambians who live and work abroad to take
part in the polls.

Speaking to our reporter, Mr. Yusuf stated that IEC is studying
modalities to make this possible and is currently working closely with
the Department of Foreign Affairs who would provide an appraisal of the
concentration of Gambian residents abroad before registration. He said
a careful study is being made to give limited mandate to Gambian
Embassies abroad to conduct the elections on behalf of the IEC which he
said cannot oversee the elections here and abroad simultaneously due to
limited expertise. Mr. Yusuf noted that the stakes for this year's
presidential election are very high and that the IEC is working
vigilantly to make sure that the groundwork and rules for the conduct
of a free and fair election for Gambian abroad are properly placed.

He expressed optimism that immediately after completing an assessment
of their work the Commission would decide whether Gambians abroad could
vote. Said Yusuf however raised concern over what he saw as inherent
difficulties in the process of conducting a polls extension for
Gambians abroad. According to him The Gambia's electoral system is
unique, using ballot drums instead of ballot papers. The transportation
of these ballot drums abroad would be difficult and unsafe for the
conduct of a free and fair election he observed.

He also expressed concern over the IEC's capacity to facilitate
candidates reaching their supporters abroad. He said there would also
be an unanswered question of whether overseas votes would be counted
abroad or in The Gambia. "All the modalities for this" Mr. Yusuf said
"are not yet in place". Mr. Yusuf noted that if all these concerns are
properly addressed on time, there would be what he called a strong
possibility for overseas Gambians to vote in this year's presidential
and parliamentary elections. "The IEC is doing all it can to enable
Gambians abroad to take part in this year's elections" he emphasised.




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