By Binta Jaiteh
Hajie Suwaneh, the Youth President of the United Democratic Party (UDP), has called for a rigorous and transparent voter registration process to curb illegal voting and restore public confidence in The Gambia’s electoral system.
In an interview with The Voice newspaper, Suwaneh urged the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) to conduct impartial oversight of all electoral activities, free from interference by local authorities.
“This is not about labeling candidates as electable or unelectable. It is about confronting deep-rooted flaws in our electoral system and ensuring that Gambians can trust democratic governance,” he said.
Suwaneh noted that citizens have long been aware of electoral challenges since 2017 and cautioned against being misled. “As a youth leader committed to the future of our country, we must approach this responsibility with conviction. Safeguarding democracy requires reforms, vigilance, and principled action, not sentiment or rivalry among opposition forces,” he added.
Reflecting on past elections, Suwaneh described irregularities as particularly detrimental to opposition parties. He highlighted alleged manipulation of voter registration by local authorities, including selective extension of voting queues and delayed result announcements in opposition strongholds. He also criticized the IEC’s acceptance of unsigned result slips, which he said further undermined public confidence.
“These practices demonstrate how the will of the people can be systematically undermined at multiple levels to entrench incumbent power, with long-term consequences for governance,” Suwaneh remarked.
Linking weak electoral accountability to broader national issues, Suwaneh pointed to rampant irregular migration. “Many young Gambians perished at sea—young people who could have become doctors, teachers, or leaders. Credible elections are essential to giving citizens the chance to choose leadership that prioritizes their needs,” he noted.
He concluded by stressing that addressing electoral irregularities is not merely a political demand but a national duty. “Through vigilance, unity, and integrity, Gambians can reclaim their democratic right to choose true leadership,” Suwaneh remarked.
