U.S. Department of State  
96/10/02 Statement: The Gambia: Presidential Election  
Office of the Spokesman  
  
  
  
Press Statement by Nick Burns/Spokesman  
October 2, 1996  
  
  
  
                  The Gambia: Presidential Election  
  
  
  
The United States deeply regrets that the September 26 presidential   
election denied The Gambian people the right to choose their leaders in   
a free and fair manner.  The two-week run-up to the presidential   
election did not provide a level playing field.  The Armed Forces   
Provisional Ruling Council (AFPRC) restricted political participation by   
banning some former politicians and parties, allowed only a brief   
campaign period for registered parties, limited television and radio   
access to certain candidates, and continued to detain political   
prisoners.  
  
Throughout the two-year transition program the AFPRC detained political   
prisoners, arrested journalists, and banned political activity.  These   
activities created a climate which was not conducive to holding a free   
and fair election.  
  
We deplore the pre-election violence and resulting arrests.  We call on   
the Government of The Gambia to ensure the safety of all Gambians and   
other residents in the country, including those who express views   
different from those of the Government.