CONTEXT
Local government elections are a fundamental aspect of democratic governance. They provide citizens with an opportunity to elect representatives who will be responsible for their basic provisions and make decisions that affect their daily lives. Local government is an essential component of any country’s governance structure asit serves as the primary level of government closest to the people.
The CSO Coalition on Election with support from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is operationalizing an Election Situation Room (ESR) through the UNDP Elections Project. Thus, it is against this backdrop that the CSO Coalition on Election is calling for applications from CSOs to serve as Domestic Observers in the upcoming Local Government Elections.
The CSO coalition on election monitoring and implementing activities for local government elections is significant in promoting transparency, accountability, voter education, inclusivity, and building the capacity of local CSOs. This coalition is a powerful force in ensuring that elections are conducted freely, fairly, and transparently.
Shortlisted applicants will attend a one day training on the basic guide to Election Observation in The Gambia (what to observe; what to report; the electoral code/ ethics for election observation-do’s and don’ts).
Duration:
Observers will be engaged for a period of Six days, that is for both theCouncillorship and Mayoral elections Three days for each; day before the election,election day and day after the election.
The number of polling stations to be observed per observer
Each observer is required to observe at least six (6) polling stations on the election day to validate their observation role:
– A polling station (1st) closest to his/her residence or area of deployment to observe the opening
– Five(5) other polling stations to observe the voting process
– Return to the 1st polling station observed to observe the closing process Observers should be committed to:
– Respect the provisions of the electoral law and the rules of electoral observation defined by the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC);
– Refrain from making any public statements through various sources of the media before,
during and after the election;
– Adhere to the responsibilities assigned and ensure that you do not override them;
– Ensure appropriate use of the assets made available to him for the performance of his/her
tasks;
– Respect and protect the confidentiality of the data, information and documents that he/she will have to deal with during the election observation.
Method of Application
Interested applicants should send a cover letter/ expression of interest and one-page abridged CV through email at csocoalitiononelections@gmail.com, copying in the email as well ndey.bakurin@tango.gm, edir@acdhrs.org.
Application Deadline
The closing date for the receipt of applications is 10th March, 2023. All applicationsshould be
submitted electronically to the above emails.
Observers will be deployed in the following communities: Banjul
• Banjul Central
• Banjul North
• Banjul South KanifingMunicipality
• Serrekunda
• Manjai Kunda, Latrikunda Yiringanya and Bakoteh
• Ebo Town, Old Jeshwang and New Jeshwang
• Bakau Farokono, Mama Koto, Bakau Newtown
• Bundung
• Latrikunda Sabiji, Faji Kunda, and Abuko
• Tallinding West CoastRegion
• Youna, Sinchu Allagie, Welingara and Old Yundum
• Busumbala, Daru Busumbala, Makumbaya, Kunkujang Ketaya,
• Lamin Daranka, Lamin Babylon and Banjulinding
• Kassa Kunda
• Manduar
• Sukuta, Brufut, and Madiana
• Faraba Bantang, Touba Kuta
• Gunjur, Kartong, Jambangjelly, Sanyang, Tanji, Jamburr and Farato
• Somita, and Bulock
• Kanilai, Bwiam, Kanfenda and Sanghajorr
• Mayork, Bantanjang and Bondali
• Sibanor, Bintang
• Kalagi, Sintet and Kanmamudou Lower River Region
• Kiang Kaiaf, and Kolior
• Kuli Kunda, Jifarong, Sankandi, Keneba, and Tankularr
• Kwinella, Kiang Nema, and Sibito
• Welingaraba, and Sutukung (Bureng)
• Soma, Misera, Toniataba, and Jarra Karantaba
• Jappineh, Jalanbereh, and Sasita North Bank Region
• Essau, and Fass Njaga Choi
• Sitanunku
• Kerewan, Saaba, and Banni
• Salikeni, Njaba Kunda, Minteh Kunda, and Kerr Pateh Koreh
• Farafenni, Noo Kunda, Illiasa
• Kuntair
• Ngain Sanjal, and Sara Kunda Central River Region
• Sambang Fula Kunda, and Dalaba
• Kudang and Jareng
• Dankunku
• Bansang and Galleh Manda
• Sare Ngai and Brikama Ba
• Wassu, and Kuntaur
• Chamen, Buduck and Palaleili
• Sami Pachonki, and Ranerou Samba Ngai
• Njau and, Panchang
• Kaur and Ballanghar Upper River Region
• Basse, Kanubeh, and Fass Bajong
• Gambisara, Julangel, Mankamang Kunda, Sotuma Sere, Numuyel, Bakadaji,Sare Bojo
• Perai, Waliba Kunda, and Badari
• Koina, Garawol, Nyamanari, and Fatoto
• Taibatou, Limbanbulu Yamadou, and Sare Ngai
• Baja Kunda, Sutukoba, and Bantunding
• Diabugu Batapa, Darsilameh, and Missera