By Fatou Krubally
The Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) has received 1,600 objections to newly registered voters following the recently concluded supplementary voter registration exercise, Chief Electoral Officer Sambujang Njie disclosed on Thursday.
Speaking at a stakeholders’ engagement held at the Sir Dawda Kairaba Jawara International Conference Centre, Njie said the objections were lodged by individuals and political actors challenging the eligibility of some applicants who registered during the exercise.
He said the objections relate mainly to questions of residency and eligibility to register as voters.
“The objections process is an important part of the electoral system because it provides an opportunity for concerns to be examined through the legal framework,” Njie told participants.
He said the commission was processing each objection in accordance with the country’s electoral laws to safeguard the credibility and integrity of the voter register before it is finalised.
The disclosure comes amid public debate over the supplementary voter registration exercise, with concerns raised by some stakeholders regarding the documentation used by certain applicants to establish their eligibility. The IEC, however, maintains that the legal objections process is the appropriate mechanism for resolving such disputes.
The stakeholders’ meeting brought together representatives of political parties, civil society organisations and development partners to discuss preparations for the forthcoming presidential election and review ongoing electoral activities.
IEC Chairperson Joseph Colley reaffirms the commission’s commitment to conducting elections that are free, fair, transparent and inclusive, stressing that maintaining public confidence in the electoral process remains a key priority.
He says the appeals and objections process is currently being handled by Revising Court Magistrates appointed by the Chief Justice. Their rulings will determine which challenged registrations will remain on the supplementary voter register before it is merged with the 2021 voter register.
Colley urged Gambians to rely on official information issued by the IEC and avoid misinformation that could undermine confidence in the electoral process.
He also assured stakeholders that the Commission would continue to discharge its constitutional mandate independently, impartially and transparently while maintaining regular engagement with political parties and other stakeholders throughout the electoral calendar.
The supplementary voter registration exercise was conducted to enable eligible Gambians who had not previously registered to obtain voter cards ahead of the 2026 presidential election. The outcome of the objections and appeals process will determine the composition of the final voter register to be used in the polls.