By Haddy Touray
The Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) has defended its decision to contract a Canadian company for the 2026 voter registration exercise, insisting that while technical services have been outsourced, ownership and custody of The Gambia’s voter database remain exclusively with the commission.
IEC Director of Communications Pa Makan Khan, speaking in an interview with QTV, said the contract was awarded to Electoral Service International (ESI) through an open and competitive procurement process conducted in accordance with regulations of the Gambia Public Procurement Authority (GPPA).
He explained that ESI’s responsibility is limited to supplying voter registration equipment and providing technical and cybersecurity support, while the IEC retains full authority over voter information.
“The data belongs to the IEC; the data is in the custody of the IEC,” Khan said. “Nonetheless, the company also provides what they call cyber support to the IEC; that is, they support the IEC in handling the data in the country.”
Khan said the procurement process was open to both Gambian and international companies, adding that ESI emerged as the most responsive bidder after evaluation.
He says the agreement also includes comprehensive data backup measures aimed at protecting the voter register from possible disasters.
“If today or tomorrow the IEC’s election house is burnt, the data can still be available, because there are enough backups in this process,” he said.
Addressing concerns over a foreign company’s involvement in managing sensitive electoral information, Khan said the commission was required by law to follow an open and competitive bidding process.
He stressed that ESI neither owns nor controls the voter database but only provides technical assistance whenever required.
“The data is in the custody of the IEC,” he reiterated. “But they are also providing support in case there are some hitches or glitches; they will always come in to help us go through the process.”
Khan also provided an update on the ongoing appeals and objections period following the supplementary voter registration exercise, saying it was too early to determine the number of cases recorded nationwide.
The exercise, which began on 7 July, will continue until 20 July, after which revising courts will begin hearing appeals and objections.
Although only a limited number of cases have so far been reported, Khan said the Commission would compile and release nationwide figures after the process concludes.
“I would be more comfortable on the 21st to say this is the number of appeals or this is the number of objections. For now, it is still an ongoing process,” he said.
Khan acknowledged concerns about public confidence in the electoral body but said the IEC continues to strengthen transparency, stakeholder engagement and voter education ahead of the December 2026 presidential election.
Responding to findings from the 2024 Afrobarometer survey, which indicated low levels of public trust in the IEC, Khan said the commission values independent assessments but believes its electoral procedures are designed to promote openness and accountability.
The survey showed that 46 per cent of rural respondents and 38 per cent of urban respondents expressed trust in the Commission. Trust levels were also lower among women, at 39 per cent, compared to 43 per cent among men.
Khan said the IEC allows voters, political parties, candidates, civil society organisations and the media to observe all stages of the electoral process, from the opening of polling stations to ballot counting.
“We make sure that the process would be done without an iota of anything hidden. You accompany us in the process from A to Z,” he said.
He described the IEC as “one of the most transparent commissions,” citing The Gambia’s marble voting system and the Commission’s policy of allowing broad media access to electoral activities as examples of its commitment to transparency.
Beyond election administration, Khan said the IEC has expanded its voter and civic education programs across the country.
He said communication teams have been deployed nationwide with public address systems, with support from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), to raise awareness about electoral processes.
The commission also holds monthly consultations with political parties, civil society groups, media organizations and government institutions while using digital platforms to reach more citizens.
Khan said inclusivity remains a priority, with targeted outreach programs for young people, women and persons with disabilities.
“We just try to maybe go more than the 100 per cent mark. So we continue to do our best to make sure that everybody is included, the youth, the PWD, the women, and all that,” he said.
He announced plans to install wheelchair ramps at all polling stations, adding that registration and polling centres are already located on ground floors to improve accessibility.
On concerns about political neutrality, Khan said the IEC applies the same standards to all registered political parties, regardless of their size or whether they are in government or opposition.
“What is done for party A will be done for all the other parties,” he said. “There is no small party. All political parties are on the same footing in terms of IEC dealings with them.”
He said the commission remains committed to ensuring a fair, transparent and inclusive electoral process as the country prepares for the 2026 presidential election.