Hearing begins on legal suit against Mayor of Banjul, IEC

By Mama A. Touray

The High Court in Banjul has adjourned the legal suit against the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC), Mayor of Banjul and Attorney General to Monday, 5th July, 2021, a case filed by civil society group called Gambia Participates. The case is being presided over by Justice Basiru V.P Mahoney.

The Plaintiffs want the high court to make a declaration that the actions of Mayor of Banjul in issuing attestations to constituents of the City of Banjul in the ongoing Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) general registration of the voters contravenes section 12 (2) (e) of the Elections Act.

They also want the court to make a declaration that the actions of the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) in conferring the power to the Office of the Mayor of Banjul to administer attestation forms generated by the IEC for the purpose of claiming voter cards in the City of Banjul contravenes section 12 (2) (e) of the Elections Act, and want  the high court to make an order quashing the decision of the IEC to bestow upon the Mayor of Banjul the power and authority to issue attestations to the Constituents of the City of Banjul.

They want the court to make an order setting aside all attestation forms endorsed and or issued by the Mayor of Banjulfor which voter cards were issued by the IEC. Consequently, an order striking-out and or cancelling all voter cards issued by the IEC that were supported by attestation forms issued and or endorsed by the Mayor of Banjul.

Meanwhile, Lawyer Adoulie Fatt, lawyer representing the Civil Society group will have 45 minutes to argue whiles Lawyer Kebba Sanyang, a lawyer representing the Independent Electoral Commission will have 30 minutes, and Lawyer Sasum Sillah, representing Banjul Mayor will have 45 minutes to argue and Lawyer Binga D. will have 30 minutes to argue.