As the Republic of The Gambia prepares to hold presidential election on 4^th December 2021, the African Union Commission through the Department of Political Affairs, Peace and Security (PAPS) has engaged in capacity building intervention targeting the youth and civil society organisations, in a bid to foster electoral integrity and ultimately, the conduct of peaceful, democratic and credible elections. The ‘training of trainers’ capacity building workshop in Banjul from 1-5 November 2021 is jointly organised by the Department of PAPS and The Gambia National Youth Council.

The commencement of the workshop on 1^st November 2021 coincided with the continental commemoration of the Africa Youth Day which is celebrated annually following the adoption of the African Union Charter in Banjul, The Gambia, in recognition of the role played by the youth in democratic governance, development, peace and security. Forty (40) participants from all the regions of the country are taking part in the workshop. The training modules focus on the normative framework of elections, global principles of citizen election observation as well as practical methodological approaches and relevant tools for conducting domestic observation throughout the electoral cycle. This initiative envisages long-term skills and knowledge transfer which will eventually enable the youth and civil society organisations to transmit the same within their respective organisations and structures.

The intervention is part of the overall electoral assistance which the Department of PAPS has embarked on, which also entails support to the Independent Electoral Commission in electoral logistics operations, training of polling staff as well as provision of COVID-19 protection materials for polling stations. The African Union Commission has also deployed long term election observers who will be joined by short term observers towards close to the polls.

For further information please contact:

Mr. Guy Cyrille Tapoko | Head, Democracy and Electoral Assistance Unit | Department of Political Affairs Peace and Security | Email: tapokog@africa-union.org

Mr. Robert Gerenge | Principal Advisor to EMBs | Department of Political Affairs Peace and Security | Email: gerenger@africa-union.org

Mr. Gamal Eldin Ahmed A. Karrar | Senior Communication Officer | Information and Communications Directorate, African Union Commission | E-mail: gamalk@africa-union.org

Information and Communication Directorate, African Union Commission I E-mail: DIC@africa-union.org
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