United Democratic Party (UDP) leader and Gambia First Coalition presidential candidate Ousainu Darboe has left open the possibility of peaceful protests or legal action over disputed figures in the Independent Electoral Commission’s (IEC) 2026 supplementary voter registration exercise.
In an interview with Eye Africa, Darboe said the party could consider a peaceful demonstration but acknowledged that the short time remaining before the December 5 presidential election could make such action difficult.
“Certainly, it is a possibility, but it could be an improbability because elections are fast approaching,” he said.
The dispute centres on approximately 14,000 voters whose registration figures the UDP wants the electoral commission to explain.
Darboe said the IEC had responded to the party’s inquiries but had not provided satisfactory answers to the specific questions raised about the figures.
He insisted that the party’s concerns were driven by a demand for transparency and accountability, not an attempt to weaken public confidence in the electoral process.
According to the UDP leader, the accuracy of the voter register is a national concern that should matter to every political party and voter, regardless of political affiliation. A credible register, he argued, is essential to ensuring confidence in the election.
Darboe also rejected suggestions that the UDP was deliberately creating confusion or seeking to discredit the commission. He said the party wanted a clear explanation of the data published by the IEC.
Despite questioning the figures, he stressed that the UDP was not accusing the electoral body of misconduct. He reaffirmed his confidence in the IEC and other national institutions, while maintaining that scrutiny of the voter registration process was both legitimate and necessary.
On whether the party would take the matter to court, Darboe said no decision had been made and that the UDP would first seek legal advice.
“It’s a possibility, but we are not saying that we are going to court. We have to get advice from our lawyers,” he said.
The dispute comes as political parties step up preparations for the December 5 presidential election, with the voter register remaining a significant issue in discussions about electoral transparency and public confidence.
The UDP has not announced a formal protest or legal challenge. However, Darboe’s remarks indicate that the party intends to continue seeking answers from the IEC as election day approaches.
