By Kemo Kanyi & Sering Mass Jallow
The Unite Movement for Change (UMC) has accused the United Democratic Party (UDP) of being behind the arrest of National Assembly Member for Latrikunda Sabiji, Yahya Menteng Sanyang.
Speaking at a press conference held Monday at the party’s regional headquarters in Fajara, UMC spokesperson Kemo Bojang said Sanyang, a senior member of the movement, was summoned to the Fajikunda Police Station following a complaint allegedly filed by UDP members.
Bojang described allegations that the lawmaker was involved in the registration of illegal voters as “false and completely baseless,” adding that they were driven by hearsay rather than evidence.
“It is disappointing and shameful that an opposition party would stoop so low as to fabricate allegations against another opposition movement,” the UMC said in a statement, suggesting the claims were motivated by political rivalry.
The movement stated that Sanyang cooperated fully with the authorities and maintained that the individuals in question were Gambian citizens of legal voting age with the right to register and vote.
According to the UMC, Sanyang was not presented with any formal charges or evidence during questioning, describing the process as irregular and inconsistent with due process and the rule of law.
“It is a deliberate abuse of process,” the statement added, while reaffirming the movement’s respect for legal procedures.
The UMC also argued that it was illogical to suggest that a private citizen could manipulate the voter registration system, noting that the lawmaker has no authority or access to register voters.
The party further alleged double standards by the authorities, claiming that no action had been taken against a senior government official allegedly seen engaging in questionable voter registration activities.
Meanwhile, Tombong Saidy, a senior executive member of the Unite for National Integrity, Transformation and Equality, criticized the handling of the case by the Gambia Police Force.
In a statement, Saidy described the lawmaker’s arrest and detention as harassment, arguing that suspects should either be formally charged or released.
He also alleged unequal treatment in law enforcement, claiming that cases involving members of the ruling National People’s Party (NPP) are handled with leniency, while opposition figures face heavy-handed tactics.
Sanyang was initially arrested on Friday and detained at the Fajikunda Police Post over allegations of electoral fraud, including claims that he attempted to register underage voters. He was later released on bail before being re-arrested after the bail was reportedly revoked.
He was subsequently released again on Sunday evening.
Authorities have not publicly commented on the allegations, but reports indicate that the police and the Independent Electoral Commission are continuing investigations into the matter.
