Gambia
- Boundary Delimitation
- Direct Democracy
- Electoral Management
- Electoral Systems
- Legislative Framework
- Media and Elections
- Parties and Candidates
- Vote Counting
- Voter Education
- Voting Operations
- Voter Registration
Boundary Delimitation
BD01 Are constituencies delimited for election purposes?
a. Yes
Source: Dawda A. Jallow, daudjallow@gmail.com
Last updated: 2008-05-13 13:31:56 UTC
BD03 On what criteria are the boundaries drawn?
d. Conformity with local jurisdiction boundaries
g. Other
Source: Dawda A. Jallow, daudjallow@gmail.com
Last updated: 2008-05-13 13:31:56 UTC
BD05 The body responsible for drawing the boundaries is:
b. Executive
c. Boundary Commission
d. Electoral management body
Comments: The boudary commission is in the laws but not yet set up. The Electoral Commission, in collaboration with the local government ministry (Executive) does it for now.
Source: Dawda A. Jallow, daudjallow@gmail.com
Last updated: 2008-05-13 13:31:56 UTC
Direct Democracy
DD01 Please provide information about the person completing the questionnaire.
a. Name and Title: MR. KAWFU CEESAY
b. Job Title: DATA ADMINISTRATOR (FORMER DIRECTOR)
c. Organisation: THE GAMBIAN INDEPENDENT ELECTORAL COMMISSION
d. Contact Address. 7 KAIRABA AVENUE, BOX 793, BANJUL, GAMBIA
e. Telephone: +220 4373804
f. Facsimile: +220 4373803
g. Email: electionref@iec.gm
Last updated: 2006-11-09 16:06:22 UTC
DD02 Which forms of direct democracy, if any, are currently possible at the national level?
Please check the glossary for the definition of the following terms:
a. Mandatory referendum
e. Recall
Source: The Gambian Constitution
Last updated: 2006-11-09 16:06:22 UTC
DD03 What is the legal basis for mandatory referendums at the national level?
a. Constitutional
Source: The Gambian Constitution Article ............
Last updated: 2006-11-09 16:14:29 UTC
DD04 What is the legal basis for optional referendums at the national level?
e. Not applicable
Comments: The constitution does not mention this
Last updated: 2006-11-09 16:06:22 UTC
DD05 What is the legal basis for citizens' initiatives at the national level?
e. Not applicable
Comments: The constitution does not mention this
Last updated: 2006-11-09 16:06:22 UTC
DD06 What is the legal basis for agenda initiatives at the national level?
e. Not applicable
Comments: The constitution does not mention this
Last updated: 2006-11-09 16:06:22 UTC
DD07 What is the legal basis for recalls at the national level?
d. Other
Comments: The constitution does not mention this but it is practised
Last updated: 2006-11-09 16:06:22 UTC
DD08 What is the legal basis for the administrative requirements for mandatory referendums at the national level? Tick as appropriate and specify the relevant constitutional, legal or regulatory provisions below.
a. Constitutional
Source: The Gambian constitution, Article................
Last updated: 2006-11-09 16:14:29 UTC
DD09 What is the legal basis for the administrative requirements for optional referendums at the national level? Tick as appropriate and specify the relevant constitutional, legal or regulatory provisions below.
e. Not applicable
Comments: The constitution does not mention this
Last updated: 2006-11-09 16:14:29 UTC
DD10 What is the legal basis for the administrative requirements for citizens' initiatives at the national level?
Tick as appropriate and specify the relevant constitutional, legal or regulatory provisions below.
e. Not applicable
Comments: The constitution does not mention this
Last updated: 2006-11-09 16:06:22 UTC
DD100 What restrictions, if any, are there in relation to signature collection for an agenda initiative?
f. Not applicable
Last updated: 2006-11-09 16:14:29 UTC
DD101 What restrictions, if any, are there in relation to signature collection for a recall?
f. Not applicable
Last updated: 2006-11-09 16:14:29 UTC
DD102 What form of checks are undertaken to verify signatures for a referendum?
d. Not applicable
Last updated: 2006-11-09 16:14:29 UTC
DD103 What form of checks are undertaken to verify signatures for a citizens' initiative?
d. Not applicable
Last updated: 2006-11-09 16:14:29 UTC
DD104 What form of checks are undertaken to verify signatures for a recall?
d. Not applicable
Last updated: 2006-11-09 16:14:29 UTC
DD105 Who is responsible for checking the signatures?
e. Not applicable
Last updated: 2006-11-09 16:14:29 UTC
DD106 Which organisation(s), if any, is responsible for running non-partisan information or voter education campaigns to inform voters about the issue being addressed in a referendum?
a. Agency/department responsible for the administration of direct democracy mechanisms
Comments: a) That is the IEC.
Last updated: 2006-11-09 16:14:29 UTC
DD107 Which organisation(s), if any, is responsible for running non-partisan information or voter education campaigns to inform voters about the issue being addressed in an initiative?
a. Agency/department responsible for the administration of direct democracy mechanisms
Comments: That is the IEC
Source: MR. KAWFU CEESAY- FORMER DIRECTOR OF THE GAMBIAN IEC
Last updated: 2005-04-03 21:00:25 UTC
DD108 Which organisation(s), if any, is responsible for running non-partisan information or voter education campaigns to inform voters about the issue being addressed in a recall?
a. Agency/department responsible for the administration of direct democracy mechanisms
Comments: That is the IEC
Source: MR. KAWFU CEESAY- FORMER DIRECTOR OF THE GAMBIAN IEC
Last updated: 2005-04-03 20:59:58 UTC
DD109 What activities, if any, are undertaken as part of non-partisan information or voter education campaigns for a referendum?
a. Information booklets
b. Leaflets and pamphlets
c. Radio broadcasts
d. TV broadcasts
e. Press advertisements
f. Website
g. Other(specify)
Comments: Theatre
Source: MR. KAWFU CEESAY- FORMER DIRECTOR OF THE GAMBIAN IEC
Last updated: 2005-04-03 21:02:41 UTC
DD11 What is the legal basis for the administrative requirements for agenda initiatives at the national level?
Tick as appropriate and specify the relevant constitutional, legal or regulatory provisions below.
e. Not applicable
Comments: The constitution does not mention this
Last updated: 2006-11-09 16:06:22 UTC
DD110 What activities, if any, are undertaken as part of non-partisan information or voter education campaigns for an initiative?
a. Information booklets
b. Leaflets and pamphlets
c. Radio broadcasts
d. TV broadcasts
e. Press advertisements
f. Website
g. Other(specify)
Comments: Theatre
Source: MR. KAWFU CEESAY- FORMER DIRECTOR OF THE GAMBIAN IEC
Last updated: 2005-04-03 21:03:10 UTC
DD111 What activities, if any, are undertaken as part of non-partisan information or voter education campaigns for a recall?
a. Information booklets
b. Leaflets and pamphlets
c. Radio broadcasts
d. TV broadcasts
e. Press advertisements
f. Website
g. Other(specify)
Comments: Theatre
Source: MR. KAWFU CEESAY- FORMER DIRECTOR OF THE GAMBIAN IEC
Last updated: 2005-04-03 21:04:36 UTC
DD112 Which of the following controls, if any, apply in relation to campaigning for or against the issue being addressed in a referendum?
e. Disclosure requirements
Comments: But not practised
Source: MR. KAWFU CEESAY- FORMER DIRECTOR OF THE GAMBIAN IEC
Last updated: 2005-04-03 21:05:21 UTC
DD113 Which of the following controls, if any, apply in relation to campaigning for or against the issue being addressed in an initiative?
e. Disclosure requirements
Comments: But not practised
Source: MR. KAWFU CEESAY- FORMER DIRECTOR OF THE GAMBIAN IEC
Last updated: 2005-04-03 21:06:21 UTC
DD114 Which of the following controls, if any, apply in relation to campaigning for or against the issue being addressed in a recall?
e. Disclosure requirements
Comments: But not practised
Source: MR. KAWFU CEESAY- FORMER DIRECTOR OF THE GAMBIAN IEC
Last updated: 2005-04-03 21:07:19 UTC
DD115 What is the period during which these controls apply for a referendum?
a. Fixed time period (specify)
Comments: Annually
Source: MR. KAWFU CEESAY- FORMER DIRECTOR OF THE GAMBIAN IEC
Last updated: 2005-04-03 21:08:10 UTC
DD116 What is the period during which these controls apply for an initiative?
a. Fixed time period (specify)
Comments: Annually
Source: MR. KAWFU CEESAY- FORMER DIRECTOR OF THE GAMBIAN IEC
Last updated: 2005-04-03 21:08:38 UTC
DD117 What is the period during which these controls apply for a recall?
a. Fixed time period (specify)
Comments: Annually
Source: MR. KAWFU CEESAY- FORMER DIRECTOR OF THE GAMBIAN IEC
Last updated: 2005-04-03 21:09:01 UTC
DD118 Which campaigners, if any, are entitled to some forms of public assistance for a referendum? Specify in the “Comments” section below.
f. Not applicable
Source: MR. KAWFU CEESAY- FORMER DIRECTOR OF THE GAMBIAN IEC
Last updated: 2005-04-03 21:09:31 UTC
DD119 Which campaigners, if any, are entitled to some forms of public assistance for an initiative? Specify in the “Comments” section below.
f. Not applicable
Source: MR. KAWFU CEESAY- FORMER DIRECTOR OF THE GAMBIAN IEC
Last updated: 2005-04-03 21:10:26 UTC
DD12 What is the legal basis for the administrative requirements for recalls at the national level? Tick as appropriate and specify the relevant constitutional, legal or regulatory provisions below.
d. Other
Comments: The constitution does not mention recalls but it is practised
Last updated: 2006-11-09 16:11:40 UTC
DD120 Which campaigners, if any, are entitled to some forms of public assistance for a recall? Specify in the “Comments” section below.
f. Not applicable
Source: MR. KAWFU CEESAY- FORMER DIRECTOR OF THE GAMBIAN IEC
Last updated: 2005-04-03 21:10:51 UTC
DD121 Which forms of public assistance, if any, are provided for a referendum?
Specify in the “Comments” section below.
g. Not applicable
Source: MR. KAWFU CEESAY- FORMER DIRECTOR OF THE GAMBIAN IEC
Last updated: 2005-04-03 21:11:19 UTC
DD122 Which forms of public assistance, if any, are provided for an initiative?
Specify in the “Comments” section below.
b. Free media access
c. Free publication space in information document
Source: MR. KAWFU CEESAY- FORMER DIRECTOR OF THE GAMBIAN IEC
Last updated: 2005-04-03 21:11:51 UTC
DD123 Which forms of public assistance, if any, are provided for a recall?
Specify in the “Comments” section below.
b. Free media access
c. Free publication space in information docum
Source: MR. KAWFU CEESAY- FORMER DIRECTOR OF THE GAMBIAN IEC
Last updated: 2005-04-03 21:12:11 UTC
DD124 If free media access is provided, what are the criteria for allocating broadcast time / printing space?
a. Every group will have equal space and time
Source: MR. KAWFU CEESAY- FORMER DIRECTOR OF THE GAMBIAN IEC
Last updated: 2005-04-03 21:13:41 UTC
DD125 Is the government permitted to campaign either in favour of or against any specific outcome to a referendum, initiatives or recall vote?
b. No
Comments: not sure
Source: MR. KAWFU CEESAY- FORMER DIRECTOR OF THE GAMBIAN IEC
Last updated: 2005-04-03 21:14:54 UTC
DD126 What restrictions or controls, if any, are there on media coverage of the campaign and/or issue during the relevant period?
a. N
Source: MR. KAWFU CEESAY- FORMER DIRECTOR OF THE GAMBIAN IEC
Last updated: 2006-11-09 16:06:22 UTC
DD127 What restrictions, if any, apply in relation to the individuals who can sign for a recall?
e. Not applicable
Source: MR. KAWFU CEESAY- FORMER DIRECTOR OF THE GAMBIAN IEC
Last updated: 2005-04-03 21:15:44 UTC
DD13 When were direct democracy mechanisms first introduced into the legal framework at the national level?
Date (yyyy)
a. Mandatory referendum 1997
Last updated: 2006-11-09 16:07:47 UTC
DD14 When was an administrative framework for direct democracy mechanisms first introduced at the national level? Date (yyyy)
a. Mandatory referendum 1972 Constitution
Last updated: 2006-11-09 16:07:47 UTC
DD15 Who is responsible for managing the administration of direct democracy mechanisms at the national level?
b. Independent electoral commission
Source: The Gambian Constitution, Article..............
Last updated: 2006-11-09 16:14:29 UTC
DD16 Does this agency/department also manage the administration of national elections?
a. Yes
Source: The Gambian Constitution, Article..............
Last updated: 2006-11-09 16:14:29 UTC
DD17 Are mandatory referendums currently possible at first tier (regions/states/provinces, etc) authority level?
c. No
Last updated: 2006-11-09 16:07:47 UTC
DD18 Are optional referendums currently possible at first tier (regions/states/provinces, etc) authority level?
c. No
Last updated: 2006-11-09 16:07:47 UTC
DD19 Are citizens' initiatives currently possible at first tier (regions/states/provinces, etc) authority level?
c. No
Last updated: 2006-11-09 16:07:47 UTC
DD20 Are agenda initiatives currently possible at first tier (regions/states/provinces, etc) authority level?
c. No
Last updated: 2006-11-09 16:07:47 UTC
DD21 Are recalls currently possible at first tier (regions/states/provinces, etc) authority level?
c. No
Last updated: 2006-11-09 16:07:47 UTC
DD22 Are mandatory referendums currently possible at local (municipalities/districts/communes, etc) authority level?
c. No
Last updated: 2006-11-09 16:07:47 UTC
DD23 Are optional referendums currently possible at local (municipalities/districts/communes, etc) authority level?
c. No
Last updated: 2006-11-09 16:07:47 UTC
DD24 Are citizens' initiatives currently possible at local (municipalities/districts/communes, etc) authority level?
c. No
Last updated: 2006-11-09 16:11:40 UTC
DD25 Are agenda initiatives currently possible at local (municipalities/districts/communes, etc) authority level?
c. No
Last updated: 2006-11-09 16:11:40 UTC
DD26 Are recalls currently possible at local (municipalities/districts/communes, etc) authority level?
c. No
Last updated: 2006-11-09 16:11:40 UTC
DD27 What are the issues, if any, in relation to which referendums are mandatory at the national level?
a. Constitutional amendments
d. National sovereignity, national self-determination
j. Other (specify)
Comments: A. Constitutional Amendments- held one in 2002 D. National Sovereignty- 1962: held one to decide on self rule but it lost. KAWFU CEESAY-FORMER DIRECTOR OF THE IEC OF THE GAMBIA1970: Held another to decide on self rule and it won J. Change of name of The Gambia A referendum must be mandatory to be able to amend an entrenched clause
Last updated: 2006-11-09 16:14:29 UTC
DD28 What are the issues, if any, in relation to which referendums are optional at the national level?
j. Other (specify)
Comments: Clauses that are not entrenched could have optional referendum
Last updated: 2006-11-09 16:11:40 UTC
DD29 Which issues, if any, are excluded from being the subject of referendums at the national level?
a. Constitutional amendments
b. Adoption of international treaties
c. Transfer of authority to international bodies
e. Conflict between constitutional organs
f. Devolution
g. Civil service
h. Taxes and public expenditure commitments
i. Other public policy issues
Comments: Clauses that are not entrenched can be amended without referendums
Last updated: 2005-04-03 18:27:21 UTC
DD30 Which issues, if any, maybe the subject of sub-national referendums regulated at the national level?
e. None
Comments: There is no provision for sub national referendums
Last updated: 2006-11-09 16:11:40 UTC
DD31 Who can initiate a referendum at the national level?
d. Legislative majority
Last updated: 2006-11-09 16:11:40 UTC
DD32 Who is responsible for drafting the mandatory referendum question?
d. Legislature
Last updated: 2006-11-09 16:11:40 UTC
DD33 Who is responsible for drafting the optional referendum question?
g. Not applicable
Last updated: 2006-11-09 16:11:40 UTC
DD34 Which of the following, if any, are required to be included in the mandatory referendum question?
a. The title of the proposal
b. The numbers of the articles or paragraphs of the legal instruments to which changes are proposed
c. An explanatory text
d. The full text of the proposal
Last updated: 2006-11-09 16:11:40 UTC
DD35 Which of the following, if any, are required to be included in the optional referendum question?
a. The title of the proposal
b. The numbers of the articles or paragraphs of the legal intruments to which chnages are proposed
c. An explanatory text
d. The full text of the proposal
Last updated: 2006-11-09 16:11:40 UTC
DD36 Which institution(s) decides on the final form of the ballot text for mandatory referendums?
b. Independent electoral commission
Last updated: 2006-11-09 16:11:40 UTC
DD37 Which institution(s) decides on the final form of the ballot text for optional referendums?
b. Independent electoral commission
Last updated: 2006-11-09 16:11:40 UTC
DD38 What, if any, are the quorum requirements for a mandatory referendum to be valid? Please specify numbers/percentages.
a. Turnout quorum 75% of registered voters must take part
Last updated: 2006-11-09 16:11:40 UTC
DD39 What, if any, are the quorum requirements for a optional referendum to be valid? Please specify numbers/percentages.
a. Turnout quorum 75% of registered voters must take part
Last updated: 2006-11-09 16:11:40 UTC
DD40 What are the requirements for mandatory referendums to pass?
d. Other (specify below)
Last updated: 2006-11-09 16:11:40 UTC
DD41 What are the requirements for optional referendums to pass?
d. Other (specify below)
Last updated: 2006-11-09 16:11:40 UTC
DD42 In which areas, if any, do regulatory provisions differ between a referendum and a national election?
Tick all that apply and specify below in the comments section.
f. Other
Comments: There are not differences
Last updated: 2006-11-09 16:11:40 UTC
DD43 When is the outcome of a mandatory referendum binding?
a. Always
Last updated: 2006-11-09 16:11:40 UTC
DD44 When is the outcome of an optional referendum binding?
a. Always
Last updated: 2006-11-09 16:11:40 UTC
DD45 Which types of issues can be proposed by citizens using the citizens' initiative process at the national level?
d. Not applicable
Last updated: 2006-11-09 16:11:40 UTC
DD46 Which types of issues can be proposed by citizens using the agenda initiative process at the national level?
d. Not applicable
Last updated: 2006-11-09 16:11:40 UTC
DD47 Which issues, if any, are excluded from being the subject of a citizens' initiative at the national level?
k. None
Last updated: 2006-11-09 16:11:40 UTC
DD48 Which issues, if any, are excluded from being the subject of an agenda initiative at the national level?
k. None
Last updated: 2006-11-09 16:11:40 UTC
DD49 Who may propose the registration of a citizens' initiative?
Please specify in the “Comments” section below.
d. Not applicable
Last updated: 2006-11-09 16:11:40 UTC
DD50 Who may propose the registration of an agenda initiative?
Please specify in the “Comments” section below.
d. Not applicable
Last updated: 2006-11-09 16:11:40 UTC
DD51 What material is necessary to accompany an application for registration?
e. Not applicable
Last updated: 2006-11-09 16:11:40 UTC
DD52 Who determines the title of a citizens' initiative?
f. Not applicable
Last updated: 2006-11-09 16:11:40 UTC
DD53 Who determines the title of an agenda initiative?
f. Not applicable
Last updated: 2006-11-09 16:11:40 UTC
DD54 Which, if any, of the following disqualify a proposed title of an initiative?
h. Not applicable
Last updated: 2006-11-09 16:11:40 UTC
DD55 Which services are provided by the agency/department responsible for the administration of direct democracy mechanisms before an initiative can be published?
e. None
Last updated: 2006-11-09 16:11:40 UTC
DD56 Under what circumstances is an initiative checked for constitutionality or legality?
d. Not applicable
Last updated: 2006-11-09 16:11:40 UTC
DD58 If a check of the constitutionality or legality of an initiative takes place, when does this happen?
f. Not applicable
Last updated: 2006-11-09 16:12:56 UTC
DD59 Which institutions, if any, are given an opportunity to propose an alternative to proposals contained in a citizens’ initiative?
g. Not applicable
Last updated: 2006-11-09 16:12:56 UTC
DD60 At which stage in the initiative process, if at all, can alternative proposals be made?
e. Not applicable
Last updated: 2006-11-09 16:12:56 UTC
DD61 What happens when there is a valid alternative proposal?
e. Not applicable
Last updated: 2006-11-09 16:12:56 UTC
DD62 When an initiative proposal and an alternative proposal are put to the vote on the same day, what choices does the voter have?
f. Not applicable
Last updated: 2006-11-09 16:12:56 UTC
DD64 Once an initiative is qualified for the ballot, the vote on it takes place:
d. Not applicable
Last updated: 2006-11-09 16:12:56 UTC
DD65 Which of the following individuals/positions may be subject to the recall mechanism?
a. Members of the national legislature
c. Other national level elected executive positions
d. National level appointed executive positions
e. Members of provincial / local legislature bodies
f. Governors, Mayors or equivalent
g. Other provincial/local level elected executive positions
h. Provincial/local level appointed executive positions
Last updated: 2006-11-09 16:12:56 UTC
DD66 What are the grounds upon which a recall may be launched?
a. Political or policy grounds
b. Indictment
c. Conviction
d. Moral turpitude
Last updated: 2006-11-09 16:12:56 UTC
DD67 What restrictions, if any, are there in relation to the time period in which an individual/position can be recalled?
a. None
Comments: subject to changes
Last updated: 2006-11-09 16:12:56 UTC
DD68 If a recall qualifies for the ballot, when is it put to the vote?
c. Other (specify)
Comments: ANSWER NOT AVAILABLE
Last updated: 2005-04-03 19:10:32 UTC
DD69 When does the election to replace an individual who has been recalled take place?
b. Separately and subsequently
Comments: Within three (3) months
Last updated: 2006-11-09 16:12:56 UTC
DD70 If a separate ballot to replace an individual who has been recalled takes place, how soon after the recall ballot is it held?
a. Three (3) Months
Last updated: 2006-11-09 16:12:56 UTC
DD71 Can an individual who is the subject of a recall stand on the ballot for his/her own replacement?
b. No
Last updated: 2006-11-09 16:12:56 UTC
DD72 How many verified signatures are required to start the formal decision-making stage for an abrogative referendum (optional)?
Indicate figures in the appropriate boxes. If more than one answer exists for any individual box, explain in the comment section.
a. Fixed number NOT APPLICABLE
b. Proportion of the electorate NOT APPLICABLE
c. Proportion of the vote at the most recent election NOT APPLICABLE
d. Other (specify) NOT APPLICABLE
e. Not applicable Yes
Comments: The constitution does not mention VERIFIED SIGNATURES
Last updated: 2006-11-09 16:12:56 UTC
DD73 How many verified signatures are required to start the formal decision-making stage for a rejective referendum (optional)?
Indicate figures in the appropriate boxes. If more than one answer exists for any individual box, explain in the comment section.
a. Fixed number NOT APPLICABLE
b. Proportion of the electorate NOT APPLICABLE
c. Proportion of the vote at the most recent election NOT APPLICABLEn
d. Other (specify) NOT APPLICABLE
e. Not applicable Yes
Last updated: 2006-11-09 16:12:56 UTC
DD74 How many verified signatures are required to start the formal decision-making stage for a citizens' initiative?
Indicate figures in the appropriate boxes. If more than one answer exists for any individual box, explain in the comment section.
a. Fixed number NOT APPLICABLE
b. Proportion of the electorate NOT APPLICABLE
c. Proportion of the vote at the most recent election NOT APPLICABLE
e. Not applicable Yes
Last updated: 2006-11-09 16:12:56 UTC
DD75 How many verified signatures are required to start the formal decision-making stage for an agenda initiative?
Indicate figures in the appropriate boxes. If more than one answer exists for any individual box, explain in the comment section.
a. Fixed number NOT APPLICABLE
b. Proportion of the electorate NOT APPLICABLE
c. Proportion of the vote at the most recent election NOT APPLICABLE
e. Not applicable Yes
Last updated: 2006-11-09 16:12:56 UTC
DD76 What is the deadline, if any, for collecting the required number of signatures after a proposal for an abrogative referendum (optional) has been published?
c. Not applicable
Last updated: 2006-11-09 16:14:29 UTC
DD77 What is the deadline, if any, for collecting the required number of signatures after a proposal for a rejective referendum (optional) has been published?
c. Not applicable
Last updated: 2006-11-09 16:14:29 UTC
DD78 What is the deadline, if any, for collecting the required number of signatures after a proposal for a citizens' initiative has been published?
c. Not applicable
Last updated: 2006-11-09 16:14:29 UTC
DD79 What is the deadline, if any, for collecting the required number of signatures after a proposal for an agenda initiative has been published?
c. Not applicable
Last updated: 2006-11-09 16:14:29 UTC
DD80 What restrictions, if any, apply in relation to the individuals who can sign the proposal for an abrogative referendum (optional)?
e. Not applicable
Last updated: 2006-11-09 16:14:29 UTC
DD81 What restrictions, if any, apply in relation to the individuals who can sign the proposal for a rejective referendum (optional)?
e. Not applicable
Last updated: 2006-11-09 16:14:29 UTC
DD82 What restrictions, if any, apply in relation to the individuals who can sign the proposal for a citizens' initiative?
e. Not applicable
Last updated: 2006-11-09 16:14:29 UTC
DD83 What restrictions, if any, apply in relation to the individuals who can sign the proposal for an agenda initiative?
e. Not applicable
Last updated: 2006-11-09 16:14:29 UTC
DD84 How many verified signatures are required to start the formal decision-making stage for a recall?
Indicate figures in the appropriate boxes. If more than one answer exists for any individual box, explain in the comment section.
a. Fixed number NOT APPLICABLE
b. Proportion of the electorate NOT APPLICABLE
c. Proportion of the vote at the most recent election NOT APPLICABLE
e. Not applicable Yes
Last updated: 2006-11-09 16:14:29 UTC
DD85 What is the deadline, if any, for collecting the required number of signatures after a proposal for recall has been published?
c. Not applicable
Last updated: 2006-11-09 16:14:29 UTC
DD87 Where can proposals for an abrogative referendum (optional) be signed?
g. Not applicable
Last updated: 2006-11-09 16:14:29 UTC
DD88 Where can proposals for a rejective referendum (optional) be signed?
g. Not applicable
Last updated: 2006-11-09 16:14:29 UTC
DD89 Where can proposals for a citizens' initiative be signed?
g. Not applicable
Last updated: 2006-11-09 16:14:29 UTC
DD90 Where can proposals for an agenda initiative be signed?
g. Not applicable
Last updated: 2006-11-09 16:14:29 UTC
DD91 Where can proposals for a recall be signed?
g. Not applicable
Last updated: 2006-11-09 16:14:29 UTC
DD92 What information must signatories provide when signing the proposal for an abrogative referendum (optional)?
e. Not applicable
Last updated: 2006-11-09 16:14:29 UTC
DD93 What information must signatories provide when signing the proposal for a rejective referendum (optional)?
e. Not applicable
Last updated: 2006-11-09 16:14:29 UTC
DD94 What information must signatories provide when signing the proposal for a citizens' initiative?
e. Not applicable
Last updated: 2006-11-09 16:14:29 UTC
DD95 What information must signatories provide when signing the proposal for an agenda initiative?
e. Not applicable
Last updated: 2006-11-09 16:14:29 UTC
DD96 What information must signatories provide when signing the proposal for a recall?
e. Not applicable
Last updated: 2006-11-09 16:14:29 UTC
DD97 What restrictions, if any, are there in relation to signature collection for an abrogative referendum (optional)?
f. Not applicable
Last updated: 2006-11-09 16:14:29 UTC
Electoral Management
EM01 Please provide the following contact information for the national electoral management body:
a. Name of Institution THE INDEPENDENT ELECTORAL COMMISSION
b. Full Address 7 KAIRABA AVENUE, BOX 793, BANJUL, GAMBIA
c. Telephone +220-4373804
d. Facsimile +220-4373803
e. Email electionref@iec.gm
f. Website Address www.iec.gm
i. Official language of the electoral law governing national elections ENGLISH
Source: Dawda A. Jallow, daudjallow@gmail.com
Last updated: 2008-05-13 13:23:07 UTC
EM02 Does this national electoral body have the responsibility for elections at:
a. National level
c. Local level
d. Other kinds of elections (church, union, etc.) Please specify.
Comments: Housespeaker's election.
Source: Dawda A. Jallow, daudjallow@gmail.com
Last updated: 2008-05-13 13:23:07 UTC
EM04 The budget of the national electoral management body is determined by:
c. The legislature
Source: Dawda A. Jallow, daudjallow@gmail.com
Last updated: 2008-05-13 13:23:07 UTC
EM05 The expenditures of the national electoral management body are controlled by:
c. The legislature
Source: Dawda A. Jallow, daudjallow@gmail.com
Last updated: 2008-05-13 13:23:07 UTC
EM06 The term of the members of the national electoral management body is:
b. For a term of _________ years
Comments: The term is 7 years.
Source: Dawda A. Jallow, daudjallow@gmail.com
Last updated: 2008-05-13 13:27:34 UTC
EM08 According to official sources, what was the estimated overall cost (in US dollars if available) of the most recent national elections?
Last updated: 2006-11-30 08:56:34 UTC
EM09 What was the total number of registered voters or, where there was no voter roll, the estimated number of eligible voters?
Last updated: 2006-11-30 08:56:34 UTC
Electoral Systems
ES01 How is the Head of State selected?
a. Head of State is the Head of Government
b. Directly elected in general elections (simple majority)
Source: Dawda A. Jallow, daudjallow@gmail.com
Last updated: 2008-05-13 13:11:28 UTC
ES02 How is the Head of Government selected?
a. Directly elected in general elections (simple majority)
Source: Dawda A. Jallow, daudjallow@gmail.com
Last updated: 2008-05-13 13:11:28 UTC
ES03 Does the country have a president?
a. Yes
Comments: President Yahya A.J.J. Jammeh
Source: Dawda A. Jallow, daudjallow@gmail.com
Last updated: 2008-05-13 13:11:28 UTC
ES04 The national legislature consists of (one/two chambers):
a. One chamber
Source: Dawda A. Jallow, daudjallow@gmail.com
Last updated: 2008-05-13 13:11:28 UTC
ES05 What is the electoral system for Chamber 1 of the national legislature?
a. Plurality (FPTP)
Source: Dawda A. Jallow, daudjallow@gmail.com
Last updated: 2008-05-13 13:11:28 UTC
ES11 If special constituencies or seats are reserved in Chamber 1, specify which interest groups, and the proportion of total seats reserved for:
Last updated: 2008-05-13 13:11:28 UTC
Legislative Framework
LF01 What is the status of the electoral law governing national elections?
a. Part of Constitution
b. Separate legislation
c. Decree
d. Regulations or administrative rules
Source: Dawda A. Jallow, daudjallow@gmail.com
Last updated: 2008-05-13 13:16:51 UTC
LF03 The national electoral law covers:
a. National elections
c. Local elections
d. Referendums
Source: Dawda A. Jallow, daudjallow@gmail.com
Last updated: 2008-05-13 13:18:35 UTC
LF04 Is voting on the national level voluntary or compulsory?
a. Voting is voluntary
Source: Dawda A. Jallow, daudjallow@gmail.com
Last updated: 2008-05-13 13:18:35 UTC
Media and Elections
ME01 Please provide information about the person completing the questionnaire.
a. Name and Title: MR. KAWFU CEESAY
b. Job Title: DATA ADMINISTRATOR (FORMER DIRECTOR OF IEC)
c. Organisation: THE INDEPENDENT ELECTORAL COMMISSION
d. Contact Address: 7 KAIRABA AVENUE, BOX 793, BANJUL, THE GAMBIA.
e. Telephone: +220 4373804
f. Facsimile: +220 4373803
g. Email: electionref@iec.gm
Last updated: 2008-05-13 13:50:14 UTC
ME09 In your opinion, which of the following types of media in your country have a public reputation for being independent?
e. Print media
Comments: KAWFU CEESAY-FORMER DIRECTOR OF THE IEC OF THE GAMBIA
Last updated: 2005-09-19 18:01:52 UTC
ME11 What laws, if any, guarantee freedom of access to public information for representatives of the media?
a. a
Last updated: 2008-05-13 13:50:14 UTC
ME13 What are the laws, if any, which govern the operations of the public broadcaster?
Specify the date of the latest version (including latest amendments)
a. SUCH A LAW EXISTS
Last updated: 2008-05-13 13:50:14 UTC
ME18 What are the laws, if any, that provide for the safeguards for editorial autonomy in relation to the public broadcaster(s)?
a. a
Last updated: 2008-05-13 13:50:14 UTC
ME19 What are the laws, if any, which govern the granting of broadcasting licenses/frequencies to private broadcasters?
a. a
Last updated: 2008-05-13 13:50:14 UTC
ME22 What are the legal conditions, if any, under which the activities of a media outlet may be suspended?
a. a
Last updated: 2008-05-13 13:50:14 UTC
ME37 What are the criteria for allocating free broadcast time and/or free printed advertisement space to political parties?
a. Equal regardless of size of party and previous performance
Comments: Only for the public electronic media (i.e. Radio and television)
Source: Dawda A. Jallow, daudjallow@gmail.com
Last updated: 2008-05-13 13:50:14 UTC
ME38 What, if any, is the maximum amount that a political party is permitted to spend on paid advertising during a campaign period?
a. Amount (Euros) None
b. The law does not specify any limits on paid advertising Yes
Source: Dawda A. Jallow, daudjallow@gmail.com
Last updated: 2008-05-13 13:50:14 UTC
ME55 What, if any, is the maximum amount that a presidential candidate is permitted to spend on paid advertising?
a. ... (euros) None
b. The law does not specify any limits on paid advertising Yes
Last updated: 2008-05-13 13:50:14 UTC
ME56 What are the laws, if any, which govern the disclosure of campaign advertising expenditures by political parties and candidates?
a. ....... None
b. There are no laws in this regard Yes
Last updated: 2008-05-13 13:50:14 UTC
ME57 What, if any, is the maximum amount that a media outlet can charge parties/candidates for advertising during the campaign?
a. ......... INFORMATION NOT AVAILABLE
Last updated: 2008-05-13 13:50:14 UTC
ME58 How does this maximum amount (identified in question C.15.1) affect the political participation of smaller or newly formed parties?
a. .......... NOT AVAILABLE
Last updated: 2008-05-13 13:50:14 UTC
ME59 Are televised debates between candidates or party representatives normally conducted?
c. No
Source: Dawda A. Jallow, daudjallow@gmail.com
Last updated: 2008-05-13 13:50:14 UTC
ME60 What legal requirements, if any, regulate the participation of candidates or party representatives in media debates?
a. ......... NOT APPLICABLE
Last updated: 2008-05-13 13:50:14 UTC
Parties and Candidates
PC01 What are the registration requirements for political parties running for national elections (Chamber 1)?
c. Regional distribution requirement
f. Other
Comments: The consitution of the party
Source: Dawda A. Jallow, daudjallow@gmail.com
Last updated: 2008-05-13 13:46:37 UTC
PC02 What are the registration requirements for political parties running for national elections (Chamber 2)?
g. Not applicable
Comments: ONLY ONE CHAMBER
Source: Dawda A. Jallow, daudjallow@gmail.com
Last updated: 2008-05-13 13:42:45 UTC
PC03 What are the legal qualifications to become a candidate at legislative elections (Chamber 1)?
a. Age
b. Citizenship
d. Residence
h. Minimum level of education
Comments: a. 21 years b. Must be Gambian and a native of the constituency d. must have lived there for 12 months h. A minimum of Junior Secondary School Education
Source: Dawda A. Jallow, daudjallow@gmail.com
Last updated: 2008-05-13 13:46:37 UTC
PC04 What are the legal qualifications to become a candidate at legislative elections (Chamber 2)?
k. Not applicable
Comments: ONLY ONE CHAMBER
Source: Dawda A. Jallow, daudjallow@gmail.com
Last updated: 2008-05-13 13:44:19 UTC
PC08 Can independent candidates compete in presidential or legislative elections?
e. In both presidential and legislative elections
Source: Dawda A. Jallow, daudjallow@gmail.com
Last updated: 2008-05-13 13:45:42 UTC
PC12 Do political parties receive direct/indirect public funding?
a. No
Source: Dawda A. Jallow, daudjallow@gmail.com
Last updated: 2008-05-13 13:45:42 UTC
PC15 What is the basis of the public funding?
f. Not applicable
Source: Dawda A. Jallow, daudjallow@gmail.com
Last updated: 2008-05-13 13:45:42 UTC
Vote Counting
VC04 Following the close of the voting, where are the votes first sorted and counted?
c. At special counting centres
Source: Dawda A. Jallow, daudjallow@gmail.com
Last updated: 2008-05-13 13:47:52 UTC
VC11 Under what conditions are ballots recounted?
d. By request
e. Court order
Source: Dawda A. Jallow, daudjallow@gmail.com
Last updated: 2008-05-13 13:47:52 UTC
Voter Education
VE01 Who conducts voter education and information campaigns at the national elections (informing where, when and how to register and vote)?
a. National Electoral Management Body
g. NGOs/ Civic Organizations
Comments: There is a National Council for Civic Education that carries out Voter Education.
Source: Dawda A. Jallow, daudjallow@gmail.com
Last updated: 2008-05-13 13:35:13 UTC
VE02 At the national level, how often are voter education programs conducted?
a. Continuously
Comments: The National Council for civic education does it on a regular basis, while the IEC only does it during election time only
Source: Dawda A. Jallow, daudjallow@gmail.com
Last updated: 2008-05-13 13:35:13 UTC
Voting Operations
VO03 Where can electors vote?
a. At a specified polling station in the locality where they are registered at national elections
Source: Dawda A. Jallow, daudjallow@gmail.com
Last updated: 2008-05-13 13:40:14 UTC
VO04 Who can vote from outside the country?
a. Outside the country voting is not permitted
Comments: The law provides for it but it has never been implemented yet.
Source: Dawda A. Jallow, daudjallow@gmail.com
Last updated: 2008-05-13 13:40:56 UTC
VO05 If voting outside the country is permitted, at what places?
g. Not applicable
Source: Dawda A. Jallow, daudjallow@gmail.com
Last updated: 2008-05-13 13:41:43 UTC
VO10 Is there a maximum allowable voter capacity of a polling station for the national elections?
a. Yes, the maximum capacity is: 2000 voters
Last updated: 2008-05-13 13:40:14 UTC
VO11 How do electors cast their votes?
g. Other
Comments: Every candidate has a drum bearing his/ her name and symbol, into which ballot tokens are cast.
Source: Dawda A. Jallow, daudjallow@gmail.com
Last updated: 2008-05-13 13:41:43 UTC
VO12 How many staff are assigned to each polling station?
a. The smallest polling station: 3
b. The largest polling station: 3
c. Average per polling station: 2
Last updated: 2008-05-13 13:40:14 UTC
Voter Registration
VR01 What is the legal voting age in the national elections?
e. 20
Source: Dawda A. Jallow, daudjallow@gmail.com
Last updated: 2008-05-13 13:38:53 UTC
VR02 Beyond age, what other qualifications exist for registering to vote and voting in the national elections?
a. Citizenship
e. Other
Comments: e.sound mind
Source: Dawda A. Jallow, daudjallow@gmail.com
Last updated: 2008-05-13 13:38:53 UTC
VR04 Which is the authority responsible for the registration of voters for national elections?
d. Election Management Body (specify)
Comments: The Independent Electoral Commission
Source: Dawda A. Jallow, daudjallow@gmail.com
Last updated: 2008-05-13 13:37:58 UTC
May 20, 2008 07:19 AM
