THE UNITED DEMOCRATIC PARTY (UDP) STATEMENT ON THE “NO ELECTION” BILL

Following the Gambia Government's desire to further constrict the democratic space, with the help of the Independent Electoral Commission, by amending the Election laws, the Gambia's main opposition party gives an initial reaction.

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THE UNITED DEMOCRATIC PARTY STATEMENT ON THE “NO ELECTION” BILL FOR RATIFICATION BY THE NATIONAL ASSEMBLY 

APRC supporters of various categories had in the past called for “No Election” in The Gambia. Election to representative institutions in The Gambia takes place more often between candidates sponsored by different political parties. There have been instances where independent candidates and party sponsored candidates vie for the same elective office. APRC’s biggest impediment to it’s supporters’ “No Election” call is Section 100(2)(a) of the Constitution.
President Yahya Jammeh and his enablers and collaborators have now found a route to realize APRC’S “No Election” agenda.

President Yahya Jammeh in his self perpetuating scheme is calling on the National Assembly to ratify his party’s anti free fair and transparent election by endorsing a Bill titled the Elections (Amendment) Act 2015.

The amendment calls for the payment/deposit, of One Million Dalasi to the IEC as a condition for contesting presidential elections. The current requirement is to deposit D10,000.00 that is refundable to a losing candidate provided that he secures not less than 40% of the votes cast. Yahya Jammeh’s amendment will now increase the payment/deposit by D990,000.00.
Candidates aspiring to contest in the National Assembly elections will with the Yahya Jammeh amendment now pay/deposit the D100,000.00 instead of D5,000.00. This is increased by D95,000.00. The payment/deposit required of Mayoral candidates is increased by D47,500.00. That is a jump from D2,500.00 to D50,000.00 whilst those contesting as Ward Councillors have their deposits/payments increased by D8,750.00. The deposit/payment for councillors has jumped from D1,250.00 to D10,000.00

The proposed amendments are preposterous and ridiculous. They expose Jammeh’s unwillingness for meaningful electoral reform. The Jammeh amendment ignores the fact that Section 26 of the Constitution guarantees every citizen of The Gambia of full age and capacity the right without unreasonable restrictions to take part in the conduct of public affairs directly or through freely chosen representatives; to vote and stand for elections at genuine periodic elections for public officers.
The monetary conditions required to be satisfied by any person who wishes to contest for any of the elective office constitute unreasonable restrictions to the exercise of guaranteed rights to do so. 

What is the rationale for decreeing the payments/deposits as non refundable? Why charge a fee of One million dalasi for registering a political party? Is the IEC now a business/commercial enterprise?
Members of the National Assembly should reject the Bill in toto. They (APRC NAMs) risk becoming hostages to the whims and caprices of Yahya Jammeh who at will expels any member of the APRC.

National Assembly Members must not allow themselves to be placed in political servitude and bondage.

United Democratic Party Secretariat
No. 1 Rene Blain Street
Banjul

19 June 2015