Gambia-l,

Below is a press release from the IEC.





DATE: Thursday 27th September, 2001


Press Release

The Independent Electoral Commission wishes to correct the front-page report
in the Daily Observer publication of Thursday 27th September, titled "IEC
reduces counting centres to 28".

The second paragraph of this publication erroneously states that, "It could
be recalled that IEC formally announced that there would be forty-two
counting centres countrywide." This is a gross misrepresentation of the IEC
as the IEC has never made any such announcement. At no time during the press
conference of Monday 17th September held by the IEC, or at any other forum,
was it ever announced that there would be 42 counting centres.

An earlier error of the Daily Observer in the edition of September 18th 2001
announced 42 counting centres and attributed this position to the IEC. This
issue was raised with their reporters in the midst of other reporters on the
ground during the nominations proceedings on the same day. The error was
based on their lack of attentiveness to the proceedings, and a failure to
read the full text of the chairman's speech provided to them after the press
conference.

The issue of 42 counting centres was only ever discussed during
consultations with political parties. It was a proposal presented to the
political parties, within the spirit of promoting dialogue and consensus
towards the build-up to the elections. It was only presented for the
consideration of the political parties but was never an adopted position of
the IEC.

This proposal was subsequently rejected by all the parties at the
consultations, and resulted in an impasse that marred the progressive
development of events that had led up to that point. This situation left the
IEC with no other option but to discard the proposal and to come up with a
unilateral position that would not be subjected to debate. This was the
position announced during the press conference.

The statement by the chairman gave a detail background of events and
discussions held with the political parties, so as to enable journalists
that were present to understand the reason for a unilateral decision. The
relevant section of the speech states: "…after much debate and discussions,
the parties could not come to a consensus as to whether to count the ballot
at each of the 800 polling stations countrywide immediately after the vote,
or to move the ballots to centralised counting centres located in each of
the seven administrative areas."

"In the midst of this stalemate, the IEC introduced a compromise, outlining
42 counting centres. These 42 centres would represent the three
constituencies in the capital city sharing one counting centre, five
constituencies in the Kanifing Municipality sharing one counting centre, and
the rest of the 40 constituencies across the country each having a counting
centre."

"After much deliberation on this option with none of the parties willing to
change from their original positions, the IEC was left with no other option
but to make a unilateral decision considering the financial, material,
human, and security requirements. This decision I now wish to announce:"

The announcement made by the chairman at the occasion went on to outline 28
counting centres located across the country at which the ballots would be
counted. Copies of his speech were made available to all members of the
press present. It was also made available to all Alkalolou who were invited
to attend the press conference from the Kanifing Administrative Area, and
also to members of the diplomatic corps who were present at the occasion.

Subsequently, GRTS stations gave a detail coverage of the press conference
including the question and answer session, during their news broadcasts; and
the full text of the chairman's speech was later broadcast by the GRTS
television. This statement was clear and simple enough for all to
understand.

The interview that was therefore reportedly held with me was presented
totally out of context, and again demonstrates of a pure lack of
attentiveness to details. It was made explicitly clear that counting would
be done at 28 centres as previously announced by the chairman. And as
reported in the last paragraph of the report, it was reiterated that the
chairman's statement at the press conference was broadcast in its entirety
on the national television.




- SIGNED -
Said Usuf
Director of Training, Communications & Public Affairs



This fax is computer relayed and so could not be adequate autographed. For
clarification please call my mobile number 963206


PEACE

Tombong


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