§ Lord Aveburyasked Her Majesty's Government:
What steps are now recommended by the Commonwealth Ministerial Action Group to bring The Gambia into compliance with the Harare Declaration.
§ Baroness Chalker of WallaseyA Commonwealth Ministerial Mission visited The Gambia from 12th-13th June to review progress on the transition to democracy. At its 24th-25th June meeting, the Commonwealth Ministerial Action Group recognised that key elements of the transition process were not in place, urged the lifting of the ban on political activity and encouraged donors to provide resources for the election and to foster good governance.
§ Lord Aveburyasked Her Majesty's Government:
What steps, if any, they will recommend to the Commonwealth concerning the decision of the Provisional Independent Election Commission in The Gambia to go ahead with the referendum on the draft constitution on 7th August 1996 in the absence of any national debate and while the ban on political activity continues.
§ Baroness Chalker of WallaseyThe decision to proceed with the referendum on 7th August rests with the Provisional Independent Electoral Commission. The draft constitution has been the subject of much debate in The Gambia. We and our Commonwealth partners nevertheless share the noble Lord's concern that the ban on political activity will not now be lifted before the referendum.
§ Lord Aveburyasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether the timetable for the elections in The Gambia announced by the Provisional Independent Election Commission can be adhered to in view of the failure of the authorities to lift the ban on political parties and political activity.
§ Baroness Chalker of WallaseyWe are concerned at the failure of the Gambian authorities to lift the ban on political activities following the completion of voter registration on 22nd June. But it is for the Provisional Independent Electoral Commission to decide whether it is possible to adhere to the election timetable now that the ban will not be lifted until after the 7th August referendum.