Elections-Gambia -  Mustapha Carayol, Gambia’s electoral commission chief, Monday started a seven-day tour across the country, to meet regional local authority leaders ahead of the 24 November polls. The Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) said in a statement that during the tour, Carayol will discuss the 24 November presidential polls with all the various administrative heads, including mayors, divisional governors and councils of elders who play crucial roles during the electioneering process in the Gambia.

According to the IEC, the move is geared towards creating “a level-playing field” for all politicians during the elections.

This followed a recent complaint by Gambia’s opposition politicians who alleged there was no level-playing regarding the polls.

The opposition cited the lack of access to national media, the active participation of divisional governors and other administrative heads (who are supposed to be neutral) in electioneering campaigns in favour of the ruling party as a case in point.

Pana 18/10/2011