Dr. Ceesay Denies Attorney General Visited IEC, Rejects Claims of Electoral Interference

By Fatou Sillah

Dr. Ismaila Ceesay, Minister of Information, Media and Broadcasting Services, has dismissed allegations that Attorney General and Minister of Justice Dr. Dawda Jallow visited the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC), insisting that he has never been to the electoral body since assuming office.

Speaking in an interview with West Coast Radio, Dr. Ceesay rejected allegations of government interference in the electoral process amid controversy surrounding the White Paper on the Local Government Commission of Inquiry.

He challenged those alleging that the Attorney General had visited the IEC to provide evidence supporting their claims.

“Dawda Jallow will never interfere in the electoral process of this country, and he has not been to the IEC once since he became Minister of Justice,” Dr. Ceesay said.

The minister also dismissed allegations that Dr. Jallow advised President Adama Barrow to expedite the publication of the White Paper to prevent Talib Ahmed Bensouda from successfully challenging adverse findings in court after the elections.

Dr. Ceesay questioned the basis of the allegations, asking how those making the claims could know what was supposedly discussed between the President and the Attorney General.

He challenged them to identify who attended the alleged meeting and when it took place, maintaining that no such conversation occurred.

Dr. Ceesay further insisted that President Barrow had no intention of interfering in the electoral process, emphasizing that the IEC operates independently and that the government respects the autonomy of independent institutions.

He explained that the government had fulfilled its responsibilities by establishing the Local Government Commission of Inquiry, receiving its report, and publishing the White Paper.

According to him, the government’s remaining obligation is to ensure the implementation of the commission’s recommendations.

“IEC has 100% autonomy and nobody interferes with their job,” he said.