State House, Banjul, 14th September 2021: His Excellency President Adama Barrow today received a delegation from the International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance at the State House in Banjul. The delegation was led by Dr Mohamed Ibn Chambas, the former UN Secretary-General for West Africa and the Sahel.

Speaking to the media following a closed-door meeting with the President, Dr Chambas said the delegation came to present its mission as part of efforts to ensure “Peaceful and Credible Elections” in December.

Dr Chambas added that the delegation also sought the President‟s support to ensure that all stakeholders adhere to the call for a Peaceful electoral process. “Political parties, their youth wings, women‟s wings, and the media, have a very important role to play in calling for peaceful conduct,” said Dr Chambas. “People should avoid violence and other untoward behaviour that can undermine the prevalence of a peaceful and conducive environment for the elections.”

Dr Chambas said the ultimate objective of his team is to develop a code of conduct which he hopes will be signed by all political parties. The document will help regulate and hold political leaders and their supporters accountable for their conduct throughout the process. He said he wants The Gambia to set an example for the rest of Africa and to let the world know that “there is truly a new Gambia in which Democracy, Rule of Law and the peaceful conduct of elections is the order of the day.‟

Dr Chambas seized the opportunity to express his appreciation to President Barrow for his Support. He said the President has accepted the message of the delegation and promised them his party‟s full participation. Dr Chambas was accompanied by the Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Hon. Dawda Jallow, and Mrs Elizabeth Y. Renner, former Speaker of the National Assembly.