In the lead-up to the 2026 presidential elections, Mama Kandeh, the leader and secretary general of the Gambia Democratic Congress (GDC), has urged Gambians to exercise caution and keep a careful eye on the government’s issuing of national identity cards.
Kandeh told reporters at his home in Kombo Kitty that he was worried about the government’s alleged decision to provide ID cards to Gambians living in Gabon and Mauritania.
“In this coming election, people should be observant and monitor the process seriously—especially the issuance of ID cards they claim to be giving to Gambians in Mauritania and Gabon,” he said.
Given that many Gambians at home experience protracted delays in receiving their ID cards, Kandeh questioned the process’s fairness and transparency.
“It can take a citizen here three to four months to get an ID card, and the process is so frustrating that some people eventually give up. So what method is the government using to issue ID cards to Gambians abroad within such a short period?” he inquired.
The GDC head also expressed doubts about the justification for ID card issuance in non-ECOWAS nations like Mauritania.
“Why do we have ambassadors in Mauritania? If Gambians have problems there, they should go to the embassy. ID cards will not solve their problems because Mauritania is not part of ECOWAS, which means our national documents, including the ID card, are not recognized there,” Kandeh argued.
Additionally, he questioned why the government was extending the issuance procedure to Gabon and Mauritania.
“What is the essence of issuing ID cards to Gambians in Mauritania and Gabon? What are you trying to tell us? What is the motive behind this move?” he questioned.
Ahead of the next elections, Kandeh asked all political parties to take the issue seriously and cooperate in order to guarantee justice and openness.
Whether we form a coalition or not, he said, “we have serious concerns about this and I call on all political parties to act collectively because at the end of the day, this issue will affect us all.”
