Cherno M. Jallow

Cherno M. Jallow

Vice Chairman, Independent Electoral Commission (IEC), The Gambia

Mr. Cherno M. Jallow, is the current Vice Chairman of the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) of The Gambia. Appointed in 2025, he brings a wealth of expertise and experience in governance to the Commission; as a former diplomat and international civil servant.

Initially Mr. Jallow served in various positions in the civil service of The Gambia. He served as Assistant Commissioner in the Central River Region and Deputy Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs; amongst others.

From 2000 to 2025, Mr. Jallow held a series of senior positions in United Nations field missions operating in post-conflict and fragile states. He began his international service as a Civil Affairs Officer with the United Nations Transitional Administration in East Timor (2000–2002) and later with the United Nations Mission in Sierra Leone (UNAMSIL, 2002–2005), where he played a key role in community reconstruction, democratic development, and institutional building.

He later served as a Political Affairs Officer with the UN Political Office for Somalia (2005–2008), the United Nations Integrated Peace building Office in the Central African Republic (BINUCA, 2008–2010), and the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo (MONUSCO, 2010–2025).

From 2012 to 2013, Mr. Jallow was appointed Special Assistant to the Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General at the United Nations Office for Central Africa (UNOCA). Across all these missions, he played a vital role in protecting civilians, fostering political dialogue, and advancing peace building efforts—often in high-risk environments.

As Vice Chairman of the IEC, Mr. Jallow brings his deep experience in conflict resolution, diplomacy, and rule of law to support credible electoral processes and democratic consolidation in The Gambia.