The Chairman of the National Council for Civic Education (NCCE), Alhagie Sering Fye, has called for tolerance amongst each other during and after election. In a press release issued to Foroyaa yesterday, the NCCE Chairman Faye described election as a civic duty which every patriotic citizen should discharge as enshrined in Sections 26 and 39 of the 1997 Constitution of The Gambia.
According to NCCE Chairman, voting is not only a constitutional right for citizens, but a responsibility as well and a strong pillar for strengthening democracy, maintaining peace and ensuring development of the Gambian people. “Voting gives citizens a voice in the government, allowing them to choose their own leaders and decide on issues that governs them,” he said.
He noted that every citizen has the right to associate with any party or candidate of his/her choice as stated in section 25 of the constitution.
“As The Gambia prepares for the Presidential Election on December 1st 2016, and the campaign period just a week away, the Chairman of the National Council for Civic Education (NCCE) hereby reminds the general public that elections are a constitutional requirement and one of the defining moments in modern democracy,” he said.
Faye therefore, encourages all eligible voters to come in mass and vote for their preferred candidates on December 1st 2016.
“As we encourage people to participate in the election, I will equally like to remind the Gambians of the importance of maintaining peace during and after the election,” NCCE Chairman stresses. Election, he continues is a season which is coming and will surely past but the Gambia still remains.
He called on all party leaders and supporters to adhere to the rules of the game and maintain law and order during the campaign period as stated in Part VI (b) of the election act, as campaign is not about violence but canvassing for votes.
“Campaign trails should endeavour to distance themselves from politics of thugs, slander and incitement of violence thereby ensuring peaceful election,” he added.
While wishing candidates a successful campaign and peaceful election in the Gambia, he finally thanked all party leaders and more especially Gambians for maintaining peace all this way.
