PASTEF Urges IEC to Revise Local Election Dates In Compliance With the Law

By: Isatou Sarr

A political movement has called on the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) to revise the calendar for the next local government elections, warning that the proposed dates would violate the five-year tenure mandated by law.

The Patriotic Alliance for System Transformation, Emancipation through Functionalism (PASTEF The Gambia) made the call yesterday following the IEC’s announcement of local election dates a while ago.

In a statement issued recently, Mr. Mayorro Sidibeh, PASTEF’s Public Relations and Communications Officer, reaffirmed the movement’s commitment to the rule of law and democratic principles as enshrined in the 1997 Constitution and the Local Government Act of 2002 (as amended). He noted that Sections 193(1) and 193(3) of the Constitution provide for democratically elected local councils, while the Local Government Act sets the term of office for mayors, regional chairpersons, and councillors at five years.

“This tenure is not just administrative; it is a legal obligation,” Sidibeh said. “It guarantees continuity, democratic accountability, and respect for the will of the electorate. Any shortening of this term undermines these core principles.”

PASTEF expressed deep concern over the IEC’s recently announced election schedule, which sets councillor elections for 22 May 2027 and mayoral and chairperson elections for 26 June 2027. Since current officeholders were elected in May–June 2023, the movement argues these dates fall short of the full five-year term, effectively amounting to an unlawful early election. PASTEF warned that proceeding with these dates would breach the Local Government Act and erode public confidence in the integrity of the electoral process.

“While the IEC is empowered under Section 43 of the Constitution to conduct elections, its actions must remain within the bounds of the law,” Sidibeh added. “Without a legally valid justification, the proposed 2027 elections would constitute a clear violation of democratic norms.”

PASTEF is therefore calling for the rescheduling of local government elections to May–June 2028, ensuring compliance with the law. The movement also urged civil society, political actors, and citizens to remain vigilant and advocate for electoral processes anchored in legality, fairness, and respect for institutional mandates.

“Democracy demands consistency, not convenience,” the statement concluded. “The integrity of our electoral system must never be compromised.”

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 By: Isatou Sarr A political movement has called on the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) to revise the calendar for the…
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