By PAC Correspondent
The Public Affairs Committee was part of the observer mission in The Gambia in 2021.
This followed an invitation by Commonwealth Secretary General, Rt. Hon. Patricia Scotland QC, to be a member of the Commonwealth Observer Group.
PAC executive Director, Robert Mbilizi Phiri, represented the organisation during the e
lection of the president in The Gambia which was held on December 4th 2021.
Phiri was among observers from across the globe who included former president of Nigeria, Olusegun Obasanjo.
The overall assessment of the Group was that, although there were challenges occasioned by Covid-19, as a whole, the election was “peaceful, credible, transparent, and inclusive” observing though that some electoral processes could be strengthened.
The incumbent, President Adama Barrow, leading the newly created National People’s Party (NPP), emerged victorious.
The prime objective of the Commonwealth is to assist build, support and strengthen systems and institutions of democracy throughout its 53-member countries.
“This includes promoting regular elections and strengthening election management bodies, institutions and processes. To help achieve this, the Secretariat provides assistance on strengthening the rule of law and good governance,” reads a part of one Commonwealth observation handbook.
