By: Kebba AF Touray
The Chairperson of the Local Government Committee of the National Assembly, Hon. Sulayman Jammeh, disclosed that the failure to pass the IEC Bill is hindering the work of the Electoral Commission.
He added: “In the exercise of their functions, the IEC faces some difficulties. These include the IEC Bill which covers some of these issues, but it is still at the National Assembly for consideration. The Commission is also challenged by the demarcation of large constituencies and the issue of interference by Governors, Politicians, Chiefs and Alikalos when issuing attestation.”
“Owing to unruly behavior and disrespect from the Vice Chairperson and two other councilors of Janjanbureh and Brikamaba Wards towards the members of the Committee, the Committee decided to call off the meeting,” he said. He detailed that the Office of the Governor of Lower River Region identified inadequate water supply, land issues at community level, inadequate budget allocation and limited office space, as some of the challenges faced by that office. He reported that during the visit to Mansa Konko Area Council, they were informed that though they are faced with capacity gaps and inadequate infrastructure facilities like water projects, solar lightning facilities, and provision of professional training for council staff, and support for environment activities such as waste collection.
