Gambiaj.com – (Banjul, The Gambia) – The capital of The Gambia, Banjul, has become the focal point of discussions on electoral cooperation in West Africa as it hosts the Extraordinary General Assembly of the ECOWAS Network of Electoral Commissions (ECONEC). The high-profile meeting brings together heads of Election Management Bodies (EMBs) from across the region to deliberate on ways to strengthen democratic governance through deeper collaboration.

Addressing his counterparts at the gathering, the Chairman of Nigeria’s Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, emphasized the need for closer ties among electoral bodies. According to him, enhanced cooperation is crucial to ensuring democratic stability in West Africa. “Working together is essential for strengthening democracy across the region,” he stated.

One of the key items on the agenda is the review and adoption of a revised draft of the ECONEC statutes. A significant proposal under consideration is the establishment of Africa’s first-ever electoral resource-sharing database. This innovative initiative is aimed at fostering collaboration and capacity-building among electoral bodies on the continent.

Prof. Yakubu, a former president of the ECONEC Steering Committee, expressed his gratitude for the support he received during his tenure. He also paid tribute to past members of the Network who played vital roles in fortifying democratic institutions in their respective countries and beyond. Commending the current leadership for their unwavering commitment, he underscored the importance of sustaining the momentum in keeping ECONEC active and effective.

Reflecting on ECONEC’s 2017 meeting in Sierra Leone, Prof. Yakubu lamented the regression of democracy in the region. He recalled that at the time, all West African nations were under democratic rule, but regrettably, four countries have since veered away from democratic governance. Nevertheless, he expressed optimism that democracy would soon be restored in the affected nations.

As his tenure as INEC Chairman nears its end, Prof. Yakubu announced that this would be his final ECONEC meeting in his current capacity. He extended his appreciation to his colleagues and the Network as a whole for their enduring support and collaboration, urging them to continue upholding electoral integrity and regional unity.

Several other heads of electoral bodies echoed Prof. Yakubu’s call for deeper regional cooperation. They commended ECONEC for its sustained technical support to member countries and its critical role in ensuring democratic governance in the region.

The Extraordinary General Assembly in Banjul brings together chairpersons and vice-chairpersons of EMBs from Benin, Cape Verde, Côte d’Ivoire, The Gambia, Ghana, Guinea-Bissau, Liberia, Nigeria, Senegal, Sierra Leone, and Togo.

While in The Gambia, Prof. Yakubu is scheduled to accompany ECONEC President, Mr. Konneh Mohamed Kenewui of Sierra Leone, for a series of high-level meetings with key stakeholders, including the Gambian government. These engagements form part of ECONEC’s Needs Assessment Mission ahead of the country’s 2026 presidential election.

With Banjul serving as the backdrop for these critical discussions, the meeting underscores The Gambia’s growing role as a hub for democratic discourse and electoral cooperation in West Africa.