On December 3, online television, Eye Africa aired an exclusive interview with President Adama Barrow. Paradise TV also showed campaign advertisements of Independent candidate- Essa Faal and the National People’s Party (NPP), contrary to the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) media rules on the election.
The IEC timetable for the presidential election states that all parties should end their campaigns, including political advertisements in the media on December 2.
“No political [party] publication or advertisement shall be carried by the Public or Private Media (on air or in print) in The Gambia, following the close of the campaign at midnight on Thursday 2nd December 2021,” the IEC has stated as part of its special provisions for the end of the campaign.
According to the election management body, the directive does not affect news analysis and election literacy programmes provided they are balanced and objective.
Six candidates including President Adama Barrow were confirmed by the IEC to contest in the December 4 election.
IEC Election Timetable
Source: Independent Electoral Commission (IEC)
IEC issues statement
“The Commission regrets the act of some private media houses that aired political broadcasts on cooling off day (3rd December, 2021). Media houses are urged to desist from such unacceptable practices,” a statement signed by the Chairman of the Independent Electoral Commission, Alieu Momarr Njai stated.
The 2021-2023 electoral cycle in The Gambia includes the presidential election on December 4, 2021, followed by the legislative and local government elections on April 22, 2022, and May 13, 2023, respectively.
By Awa Macalo and Sulayman Saye
Source: Independent Electoral Commission (IEC)
IEC issues statement
“The Commission regrets the act of some private media houses that aired political broadcasts on cooling off day (3rd December, 2021). Media houses are urged to desist from such unacceptable practices,” a statement signed by the Chairman of the Independent Electoral Commission, Alieu Momarr Njai stated.
The 2021-2023 electoral cycle in The Gambia includes the presidential election on December 4, 2021, followed by the legislative and local government elections on April 22, 2022, and May 13, 2023, respectively.
By Awa Macalo and Sulayman Saye
