Commonwealth Secretary-General Welcomes Political Developments in The Gambia
16 August 1996
The Commonwealth Secretary-General, Chief Emeka Anyaoku, today welcomed the lifting of the ban on political parties in The Gambia, and the postponement of the date for the Presidential Elections to 26 September 1996 which will allow political parties more time to organise themselves. He expressed the hope that these developments would lead to the people of The Gambia being accorded maximum opportunity for electing the government of their choice.In a statement issued in London, Chief Anyaoku said:
"I welcome the lifting of the ban on political parties and political activity in The Gambia announced by the Head of State, Captain Yahya Jammeh, on 14 August and yesterday's statement postponing the date of the Presidential Elections to 26 September 1996. These developments, taken together with last week's Referendum on a draft Constitution, mark an important stage in the return of The Gambia to democratic rule.
"The high turnout for the voter registration and the orderly and peaceful conduct of the Referendum provide clear evidence of the determination of the people of The Gambia to make a success of the democratic transition. I therefore hope that the Government will provide the maximum opportunity for all Gambians to participate fully in the remaining phase of the transition."
Issued by the Information and Public Affairs Division, Commonwealth Secretariat,
Marlborough House,
Pall Mall,
London SW1Y 5HX,
United Kingdom.
Tel: 0207-839 3411;
Fax: 0207-839 9081;
Telex: 27678
96/35 16 August 1996
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