Tema, Nov. 28, GNA – The African Union (AU) Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security, Ambassador Bankole Adeoye, paid a three-day working visit to The Gambia ahead of December 4, 2021, Presidential Election.
During a meeting with President Adama Barrow, the AU Commissioner Bankole commended the government and the people of The Gambia for the prevailing peace and calm during the ongoing election campaign.
He reiterated the African Union’s commitment to supporting a peaceful, credible and transparent Presidential Election, according to AU paper released at the end of the visit and made available to the Ghana News Agency at the weekend.
In the AU paper, Commissioner Bankole underlined the strategic value of The Gambia’s progress towards consolidating democratic gains.
“The Chairperson of the AU Commission will continue to support the democratic transition in The Gambia in collaboration with the Economic Community of West African States.”
President Barrow commended the AU Election Observation Mission and underscored the Gambia’s appreciation for AU’s support of the electoral process.
He assured the AU Commissioner and delegation of his government’s commitment to peaceful, credible and transparent elections as well as dedication to national reconciliation.
President Barrow stated that “the Gambian people will decide and their decision will be respected.”
The AU team also held consultations with the Chairman of the Gambian Independent Electoral Commission, Mr Alieu Momar Njai, who briefed them on the level of preparedness to ensure credible, free and fair presidential elections.
The AU team also paid a courtesy call on the overseeing Minister of Foreign Affairs, James Peter Gomez, Minister of Fisheries, Water Resources and National Assembly Matters, who equally assured of the AU’s support to the electoral process in The Gambia.
The AU has deployed the African Union Election Observation Mission (AUEOM), comprising nine long-term and 60 short-term observers in The Gambia.
The AUEOM is led by President Kgalema Motlanthe, former President of the Republic of South Africa.
It must be noted that as part of its support to The Gambia, the AU has disbursed over half a million dollars to assist with the training of polling staff, training of domestic observers, provision of COVID-19 materials and logistical support.
GNA