By: Dawda M. Jallow
The Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) has announced that 41,565 applicants were registered during the first week of the 2026 Supplementary Voter Registration exercise across the country.
The update was provided on Thursday at the Sir Dawda Kairaba Jawara International Conference Centre, where the commission briefed stakeholders on the ongoing process.
IEC Chairman Joseph Colley said the exercise, which began on 8 April 2026, has attracted significant public interest, reflecting what he described as growing participation in the electoral process. He says the registration is being conducted in an open and transparent manner, with civil society organizations, media houses, and political parties accredited to monitor proceedings.
He explained that the exercise catered for new voters who were not registered during the 2021 General Registration, as well as applicants seeking replacement of lost or damaged voter cards and those transferring their registration details between regions, constituencies, or wards.
According to him, all categories are progressing smoothly.
However, Mr Colley expressed concern over more than 2,000 cases of double registration detected during the first week, despite ongoing voter education campaigns. He reminded the public that double registration is a serious offence under the electoral laws.
He also raised concerns about interference in the process by some political actors, warning that such actions could undermine the integrity of the exercise. He stressed that only political parties duly registered with the IEC are legally allowed to sponsor candidates and enjoy the privileges accorded to political parties under the law.
Mr Colley further clarified that unregistered movements or associations cannot present themselves as political parties or carry out activities reserved for registered entities.
He noted that while such groups may register under other legal frameworks, they do not acquire political party status.
He said the IEC, working with the Inter-Party Committee and security agencies, will continue to monitor compliance and take action where necessary, including referrals and court proceedings. He also emphasised consistent enforcement of rules to ensure fairness among all stakeholders.
He added that the IEC Attestation Regulations 2026 have been gazetted and will complement the Elections Act 2025 by addressing key areas of voter registration.
He urged eligible Gambians who were not registered in 2021 to take part in the ongoing exercise, stressing that the principle of “one person, one vote” will be strictly enforced.
Presenting regional figures, Chief Electoral Officer Sambujang Njie said 770 applicants were registered in Banjul, 6,424 in Kanifing, 6,742 in Yarambamba, 8,100 in Brikama, 1,266 in Sibanor/Foni, 4,945 in Mansakonko, 3,860 in Kerewan, 2,006 in Wassu, 2,596 in Janjanbureh, and 4,909 in Basse.
He said the total of 41,565 applicants includes 22,860 females, representing 55 per cent, and 18,702 males.
