By Nelson Manneh
Foni Kansala Constituency, where the home town of the former President Jammeh is located, is the only constituency with two candidates and there are 14 polling stations in the constituency. People are seen coming one after the other voting peacefully without any violence but the turnout is very low.
Ousman Marreh, the Independent Candidate, shortly after casting his vote in a polling station in Bwiam with polling number 30406-1 described the process as interesting, noting that he has seen some people with smiling faces whilst others with frowning ones. He said it is his right to contest whilst the electorate have the right to elect the one they think is capable of representing them rightfully at the National Assembly. He described Foni Kansala as one of the smallest constituencies in the Gambia but was quick to add that it does not deserve discrimination.
One Lamin Camara, a voter, expressed delight in exercising his civic right and the way the electoral process is done. According to him a citizen can only exercise his rights through voting and he expects a better turnout as the time goes by.
Another voter, Fatoumata S. Nyang said during the Presidential elections the people came out in very large numbers to cast their votes and made decision to change the government. “Now it is time for National Assembly elections and the turnout is very low, which means the people are not aware of the importance of National Assembly in the country. She added that it is the most important arm of the government which is mandated to make and reform laws, scrutinize the executive and approve revenue by the government. According to her, as Gambians have spoken on December 1, it is also important to compliment that by voting for competent people into the National Assembly.
