Police Assure Readiness for Presidential Nominations, Announce Road Closures Around IEC

By Seedy Jobe

The Gambia Police Force has assured the public of its readiness to provide security for the upcoming presidential nomination exercise, scheduled to begin on Tuesday, as authorities announce extensive security measures and road closures around the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) headquarters.

Police Public Relations Officer Modou Musa Sisawo gave the assurance on Monday during an appearance on QTV’s This Morning program, saying the force had conducted security assessments and simulations to ensure the smooth conduct of the exercise.

Mr. Sisawo said senior police officers visited the IEC headquarters on Saturday to assess the venue, identify potential security challenges, and familiarize themselves with the operational arrangements ahead of the nominations.

He explained that the assessment included a simulation of the security operation, followed by a debriefing to identify areas requiring adjustments.

“We have already done our assessment and simulation; we had a debrief regarding what happened and how we can adjust. I think we are ready for the task,” he said.

According to Mr. Sisawo, security arrangements will include roadblocks at both approaches to the IEC headquarters. One will be positioned near the school area on the Banjul side, while another will be established along Kairaba Avenue, before the roundabout.

He said officers from the Police Intervention Unit (PIU), traffic police, and other security personnel would be stationed at strategic locations and intersections to regulate movement and maintain order throughout the nomination period.

The police spokesman acknowledged that the exercise would present significant logistical and security challenges, particularly with more than 20 presidential aspirants expected to participate.

However, he expressed confidence that lessons learned from previous nomination exercises had strengthened the force’s preparations.

Mr. Sisawo identified communication between the IEC and security personnel on the ground as one area requiring improvement, saying the issue had been discussed during the police debriefing.

He emphasized that while the IEC retains responsibility for administering the electoral process, the police have a mandate to intervene whenever criminal offenses occur.

The police spokesman also acknowledged that presidential nominations traditionally attract large crowds of supporters, often accompanied by singing, dancing, and other political activities.

He said the police were preparing to manage these gatherings while ensuring that the activities of one political party or candidate did not interfere with those of another.

Central to the security arrangements, he explained, is strict adherence to the nomination timetable, allowing each aspirant and their supporters to leave the premises before the arrival of the next group.

Mr. Sisawo said access to the nomination hall would be restricted to the presidential aspirant and the number of accompanying individuals authorized by the IEC.

He added that the police would work closely with the commission to coordinate arrivals and departures, prevent confrontations between rival supporters and ensure that all participants receive adequate security.

The police spokesman also appealed for public cooperation, particularly from residents, businesses and motorists operating around the IEC headquarters.

He warned that roads leading to the commission’s premises would be completely closed to vehicular traffic during the nomination exercise.

“There will be total blockage,” he said, explaining that vehicles would not be permitted to move within the designated security perimeter.

Mr. Sisawo advised motorists and people working in the vicinity to make alternative travel arrangements and use feeder roads outside the restricted area.

He said police officers would be deployed across surrounding junctions to enforce the restrictions and direct traffic.

The police spokesman reiterated the force’s commitment to maintaining public order and ensuring that the nomination exercise proceeds peacefully, while urging political parties, their supporters and the general public to cooperate with security personnel.