Gambiaj.com – BANJUL, The Gambia – President Adama Barrow has pledged to deliver a peaceful and credible election as The Gambia enters the campaign season, following a meeting with International IDEA founder and veteran peace negotiator Dr. Muhammad Ibn Chambas at State House in Banjul.
The meeting focused on efforts to preserve peace and stability ahead of the December 5 presidential election, with International IDEA informing the President that The Gambia’s democratic ranking has improved, according to a study cited during the meeting.
International IDEA also briefed President Barrow on plans to engage political parties and other stakeholders in an effort to create a conducive environment for peaceful and credible elections.
Call for Code of Conduct
The initiative includes discussions around a code of conduct for political actors, with International IDEA working closely with the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) to promote peaceful political competition.
Dr. Chambas said the electoral period should be about a “competition of ideas” rather than confrontation, urging political parties, their supporters, and citizens to reject violence and actions that could destabilize the country.
President Barrow welcomed the reported improvement in The Gambia’s democratic ranking and said his government remained committed to maintaining an open political environment.
He pointed to press freedom and the continued broadcasting of political debates as evidence of what he described as an increasingly open democratic space.
Barrow Appeals for Acceptance of Election Result
Barrow, who received the “African Promoter of Peace in Africa 2024” award, pledged that his administration would work towards a peaceful and credible election.
“I promise a credible and peaceful election,” he said, calling for a campaign in which political stakeholders would be able to present, debate, and defend their messages before voters.
“At the end, it is the people who decide the winner and loser, and we must all accept the people’s verdict,” the President said.
He also renewed his appeal to religious leaders to use their influence to promote peaceful coexistence and encourage citizens to maintain calm throughout the electoral period.
The President thanked Dr. Chambas for his engagement with The Gambia’s democratic transition, saying his contribution would be remembered in the country’s political journey.
The meeting comes as political parties intensify preparations for the December election, with the IEC having set the electoral calendar and parties positioning themselves for what is expected to be a highly competitive contest.
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