By: Sering Mass Jallow
The Gambia Civil Society Against Corruption (GICSAC), a civil society group has publicly accused President Adama Barrow’s government of attempting to manipulate the upcoming 2026 presidential elections through the controversial issuance of national identity cards to Gambians residing abroad.
Speaking at a press conference held on Tuesday, July 15, 2025, GICSAC expressed serious concerns over what it described as the government’s selective prioritization of ID card distribution. According to the organization, while many citizens within the country still struggle to obtain their identity cards, the government appears to be accelerating the issuance of these documents to members of the Gambian diaspora without adequate transparency, oversight, or verification.
Haji Suwaneh, President of GICSAC, stated that the group views this move as a deliberate political strategy designed to influence voter eligibility and potentially sway the outcome of the 2026 elections in favor of the incumbent. He argued that issuing national identity cards in foreign countries without rigorous vetting presents a serious risk to both national security and electoral integrity.
“Issuing Gambian national identity cards in foreign lands poses a grave threat to our national security and undermines our electoral integrity,” Suwaneh said. “When ID cards are distributed without stringent checks, there is a high risk of misuse by individuals who may not genuinely have the nation’s interest at heart.”
GICSAC maintained that the ID issuance process, if left unchecked, could lead to widespread abuse and exploitation of the electoral system. Suwaneh warned that national identity should be a sacred symbol of one’s connection to their homeland not a document that is freely accessible without meaningful verification. He added that the practice may enable the infiltration of individuals who could harm communities or exploit the democratic system, citing international research that links weak identity management with security threats and misuse of state resources.
In its statement, the organization demanded that the government immediately halt the ongoing distribution of ID cards to Gambians abroad. It further called for the implementation of a rigorous and transparent verification and approval system that meets national security standards. Additionally, GICSAC urged the authorities to enhance identity protection protocols to ensure that every ID issued aligns with electoral integrity and public accountability.
The organization made it clear that its concern is not with the diaspora itself, but with the lack of safeguards surrounding the issuance of such critical documents. Suwaneh emphasized that if these demands are not addressed through appropriate and peaceful dialogue, GICSAC will escalate its campaign by submitting a formal petition to the Office of the Inspector General of Police. The group also plans to organize a peaceful march to visibly express public dissatisfaction with what it describes as a troubling and potentially dangerous policy.
GICSAC concluded its statement by reiterating its commitment to protecting democratic principles and ensuring that The Gambia’s electoral process remains fair, transparent, and secure for all citizens, regardless of where they live.
