The IEC inherited the mandate of the PIEC, but peculiar to the IEC was its permanent status and a reduction of its membership from seven to five members, provided for under Section 42 of the Constitution of the Republic of The Gambia.   The Mandate of the PIEC was clearly stated in section 6 of the PIEC Decree, Decree 62 of 1995, these are:

1. to conduct and supervise the registration of voters, for all public elections and referenda,
2. to demarcate electoral boundaries for both national and local government elections,
3. to conduct and supervise all public elections and referenda,
4. to register political parties,
5. to ensure that the dates, times and places of public elections and referenda are fixed and that they are publicized and that elections are held accordingly,
6. to ensure that the candidates for elections make full declaration of their assets at the time of nomination,
7. to announce the results of all elections and referenda,

There is also the additional responsibility to conduct elections of the Speaker and Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly.

Mission

To provide the Gambian people with an independent and efficient electoral process that is based on fairness, transparency and trust and supported by competent staff for the democratic conduct of all public elections and referenda. Furthermore the Commission is committed to maintaining a credible voters register and carrying out continuous voter education.

Vision

The Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) will evolve into an efficient and effective institution that is adequately staffed and resourced, and responding to the national need for full participation in the electoral processes and, leadership that will PROMOTE harmony, democracy and progress.