PROOF OVER PROPAGANDA: Yaya Dampha Calls Out Lamin Manneh’s Baseless Electoral Fraud Claims

By Yaya Dampha, NPP Diaspora Coordinator

It is becoming increasingly difficult to take Mr. Lamin Manneh seriously when he repeatedly chooses sensationalism over substance. For someone who prides himself on intellectualism, his recent claims regarding voter registration fraud fall far below the standards expected of responsible national discourse. The Gambian people deserve facts—not recycled propaganda framed as concern.

Mr. Manneh is fully aware, or ought to be, that The Gambia’s electoral system is governed by clear legal frameworks designed to ensure transparency and accountability. The voter registration process is not conducted in secrecy, nor is it monopolized by any single political party. On the contrary, all political parties—including the UDP—are legally entitled to deploy agents at every registration centre. These agents are mandated to observe, record, and report any suspected irregularities.

If indeed there are instances of underage individuals or non-Gambians being registered, the law provides a clear and credible path: gather verifiable evidence and present it before the revising courts. That is how serious allegations are handled in a democracy. The burden of proof lies with the accuser—not with the public, and certainly not with those being accused without evidence.

What is deeply concerning is the persistence of a familiar pattern. For over three decades, the UDP has participated in electoral processes, yet the narrative remains unchanged—whenever outcomes are unfavourable, allegations of fraud and unfairness quickly follow. At some point, a political movement must rise above perpetual grievance and embrace democratic maturity: winning with humility and accepting defeat with dignity.

The attempt to implicate individuals without substantiated proof is not only reckless but also undermines the integrity of public discourse. Allegations of this nature demand credible evidence capable of standing the test of legal scrutiny—not speculation, hearsay, or viral audio clips circulating on social media.

Yes, electoral integrity must always be safeguarded. Allegations—especially serious ones—should be thoroughly investigated. But they must be pursued through lawful channels, not through media sensationalism that risks inflaming tensions and eroding public trust in national institutions.

Education should cultivate discipline, responsibility, and respect for truth. Unfortunately, what Mr. Manneh has demonstrated is the opposite—an abandonment of intellectual rigor in favor of unsubstantiated claims.

Politics is not a refuge for excuses. It is a contest of ideas, credibility, and organization. The Gambian people are discerning, and they expect leadership—not noise.

If there is evidence, present it before the appropriate legal bodies. If not, then it is time to put an end to the cycle of baseless allegations and allow the democratic process to proceed with the seriousness it deserves.