IEC Raises Red Flag Over Activities of Unregistered Political Groups

By JarranewsTV Staff Reporter

The Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) has issued a strong warning over what it describes as the increasing and unlawful involvement of unregistered political movements in the country’s electoral space, cautioning that such actions threaten the legal order governing democratic participation.

Speaking at the Commission’s second monthly Stakeholders Forum, IEC Chairman Joseph Colley expressed concern that a number of groups operating outside the bounds of the Elections Act 2025 are engaging in activities reserved exclusively for duly registered political parties.

“The emergence and conduct of some of these movements, which have not met the legal requirements to be recognised as political parties, is a matter of serious concern,” Colley stated. “The law is clear—only registered political parties are permitted to sponsor candidates, access state media under regulated conditions, and fully participate in the electoral process.”

The Commission warned that any entity found flouting these provisions risks facing legal consequences, including public sanctions, referral to the Attorney General’s Chambers, or court action.

While the IEC reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring an open and transparent voter registration process, it stressed that such integrity must be matched by strict adherence to the legal framework by all political actors.

Amid these concerns, the Commission continues to oversee the ongoing 2026 Supplementary Voter Registration exercise, which has drawn significant public participation since its launch on April 8. The exercise, set to conclude on May 21, caters to citizens who missed the 2021 registration, as well as those seeking transfers or replacement voter cards.

Chief Electoral Officer Sambujang Njie reported that over 41,000 applicants were registered in the first week alone, with women accounting for the majority of registrants. He also acknowledged minor operational challenges, including technical faults and isolated printing errors, noting that corrective measures have largely been implemented.

Although cases of attempted double registration have been recorded, the IEC emphasized that its primary concern remains the need to safeguard the electoral process from unlawful political activities that risk undermining public trust.

Colley concluded with a firm reminder that democracy must operate within the confines of the law, urging all political actors—both established and aspiring—to respect the rules that govern participation in The Gambia’s electoral system.