EWC observers report violations of campaign ethics

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Picture Credit: VOD

Author: Pa Modou Cham

In a press conference to update journalists on the campaign observations during the Mayoral and Chairpersonship elections, the Elections Watch Committee (EWC) revealed that its observers reported witnessing or hearing of incidents of campaign ethics violations.

In a statement delivered at the Peace Ambassador's building, Omar Cham of the EWC stated: "EWC observers reported witnessing or hearing of incidents of campaign ethics violations including the use of state resources such as government vehicles or distribution of cash or items by government officials during the campaign, candidates providing money or gifts to supporters, or buying voters cards."

According to the observation committee, the violations create an unlevel playing field during the election campaign and dilute the premise that political campaigns should be contested based on a candidate's skills, ideas, and ability to lead the wards, and not based on their ability to purchase the most votes.   

Dwelling on the IEC preparations, civic education and voter information, the EWC reported that as the campaign period advanced towards election day, all EWC observers witnessed or heard about IEC preparations in their regions. The committee noted that EWC observers have previously reported that they have not witnessed or heard of IEC preparations.

"However, it is to be noted that during the 2023 Councillor and Mayoral campaign, there has been an improvement in this matter. The level of communication and information sharing by the IEC is consistent with the past elections and should be commended," Cham stated.   

Cham went on to say that throughout the campaign period, the EWC noted that the civic and voter education campaigns targeting women, youth, and persons with disabilities are present in some parts of the country. 

"However, it is to be noted that there has been a significant decline in the number of engagements with interest groups such as women, youths, and Persons with Disabilities compared to the campaign efforts and strategies during the presidential and parliamentary elections."

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