ECOWAS observers rate Gambia legislative election "transparent"

The observers of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) said Friday the Gambia's parliamentary elections held on Thursday were transparently conducted.

"In the polling units visited, polls closed at the stipulated time of 5 p.m. The vote counting and tallying processes were carried out in a transparent and professional manner, in full view of party agents, observers, and security agents," ECOWAS said in its preliminary findings.

ECOWAS recommended mass voter education by political parties ahead of polls, adding that despite "smooth conduct of the exercise, the mission however observed a relatively lower turnout".

"Furthermore, it may be expedient in the future to consider holding both legislative and presidential elections on the same day in order to minimize the cost of organizing elections and addressing the issue of low voter turnout," the regional bloc said.

Gambians went to polls on Thursday and four of the seven political parties backing Barrow have won 42 out of 53 seats in the country's National Assembly.

The West African grouping ECOWAS had been boycotting elections in the Gambia in numerous occasions citing lack of playing field for the stakeholders during former President Yahya Jammeh's 22 year rule.

Other observers, including the European Union and the African Union, are releasing their findings on Saturday. Endit