Observers accredited by the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) are obliged to fully adhere to this code of conduct. Acceptance of this code is a precondition for accreditation. This Code of conduct is applicable to Domestic and International Observers.
- 1. Election Observers are key in the electoral process and as such every accredited observer is expected to contribute positively to the electoral process.
- 2. Observers shall familiarize themselves with The Gambia’s electoral laws and regulations of the Independent Electoral Commission.
- 3. Observers are required to maintain political neutrality.
- 4. Observers are to observe the electoral process at their own cost.
- 5. An observer may observe all stages of the voting process without violating the secrecy of the vote.
- 6. An Observer shall not disturb or obstruct the voting, counting and other related activities in the electoral process.
- 7. An Observer shall not communicate with voters at the Polling Station.
- 8. An Observer may address the Presiding Officer or other officials of the Commission on matters relating to an election procedure.
- 9. An Observer must display his/her identification badge at all times in the Polling Station/ Counting and Collation center.
- 10. An Observer must not interfere with or obstruct the functions of Polling Officials.
- 11. An Observer shall not issue complaints.
- 12. An Observer must not influence a voter’s choice.
- 13. An Observer must not campaign for or support a candidate or party in any way.
- 14. An Observer must not announce election results.
- 15. Observers should be professional and ethical in their observations.
- 16. Individual observers are to refrain from making public statements until his/her observer mission issues its official statement.
- 17. Final reports and recommendations of observers shall be shared with the Commission.
- 18. The Commission reserves the right to revoke the accreditation of an individual observer or that of an organization for violation of this code.
