By Isatou Sarr
The Banjul High Court Annex on Tuesday awarded D5,000 in costs to the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) in a civil dispute with the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) over recognition of the party’s leadership.
The case was heard by Justice Sonia Akinbiyi K.J.W.
The PPP had filed the suit seeking a declaration that Hon. Kebba E. Jallow remains the party’s Secretary General and leader. The party challenged the IEC’s recognition of Mr. Ousman Madikay Faal as Secretary General.
The plaintiffs also sought an injunction to restrain the IEC from swearing in Mr. Faal until internal party matters were resolved or a fresh congress was conducted.
Court documents show the dispute arose after the IEC issued directives in October 2024, reminding all registered political parties, including the PPP, to hold their biennial congresses and submit details of their executives.
The PPP requested an extension to organise its congress, but the IEC denied the request, citing strict adherence to timelines, while other parties were granted extensions.
The PPP later held its congress on 21 December 2024, adopting a revised party constitution and conducting elections under the new rules. The party’s Electoral Commission disqualified individuals who failed to sign the constitutionally mandated undertaking and notified the IEC of the duly elected leadership.
Despite these notifications, the IEC recognised Mr. Faal as the party’s leader, prompting the PPP to seek legal redress.
The parties engaged in mediation facilitated by the Inter Party Committee (IPC), but disputes persisted.
During Tuesday’s proceedings, Counsel A. Wadda for the IEC argued that the interim order restraining the swearing-in of party leaders had lapsed due to non-compliance. He asked the court to vacate the order and award costs.
Justice Sonia ruled that the interim order had automatically lapsed, vacated it, and awarded D5,000 in costs in favour of the IEC.
The case was adjourned to 25 February 2026 at 9:30 a.m. for further mention on the substantive matter.
