Allegations have surfaced claiming that foreign nationals and underage individuals are being issued attestations and registered at voter registration centres across the country. These concerns were raised during Thursday’s edition of the “Viewpoint” programme by Mr. Lamin Manneh, a prominent member of the UDP executive.
According to Manneh, there are reports of widespread irregularities linked to the ongoing supplementary voter registration exercise. He stated that UDP members are actively monitoring the situation and gathering evidence, which they intend to present before the revising courts.
Manneh further said that certain members of the ruling National People’s Party (NPP), specifically naming Seedy Njie, of allegedly facilitating the registration of underage individuals by recruiting and transporting them to registration centres. These claims, however, have not been independently verified.
In response to these concerns, Manneh indicated that the UDP has developed a software system aimed at tracking voter registrations and monitoring voter participation ahead of this year’s elections, with the goal of preventing potential fraud.
These allegations have heightened public concern regarding the integrity of the electoral process. Circulating WhatsApp audio recordings—purportedly featuring foreign nationals—allege that individuals from neighbouring West African countries have been invited to register and participate in Gambian elections by members of the ruling party. While these claims remain unverified, their rapid spread on social media has intensified suspicion, deepened public mistrust, and raised pressing questions about electoral oversight and accountability.
