Magistrate Isatou Jallow dismissed an objection filed by Fatou Darboe against the voter registration of Amadou Drammeh in Bakau. The Kanifing Revising Court ruled on the matter, effectively upholding the electoral status of the respondent. Addressing the evidentiary requirements of the case, the Kanifing Revising Court stated: "Once the matter comes before the Court for determination, suspicion must give way to evidence." Magistrate Isatou Jallow presided over the proceedings, which concluded with the court rejecting the challenge to the Independent Electoral Commission records. The decision confirms the registration of Amadou Drammeh despite the formal opposition brought by Fatou Darboe.
Details of the Legal Challenge
Fatou Darboe initiated the legal challenge by contesting the eligibility of Amadou Drammeh within the Independent Electoral Commission registry. She based her formal objection on two specific claims regarding his qualifications as a voter in Bakau. First, she argued that Amadou Drammeh did not possess Gambian citizenship, which is a mandatory requirement for inclusion in the electoral roll. Second, she asserted that he would fail to reach the age of 18 by the time the 2026 elections take place. These allegations formed the basis of the petition brought before the Kanifing Revising Court. The court evaluated these claims against the existing registration records maintained by the Independent Electoral Commission before Magistrate Isatou Jallow issued the final ruling.
Lack of Evidence Presented
Fatou Darboe acknowledged during cross-examination that she possessed no documentary evidence to substantiate the claim that Amadou Drammeh is a foreign national. Her admission followed the court’s evaluation of the challenges brought against the Independent Electoral Commission records. Without documentation to support the allegations regarding citizenship or age, the court found no basis to remove the respondent from the electoral roll.
Magistrate Isatou Jallow ordered that the name of Amadou Drammeh be retained on the voters' register. This directive aligns with the provisions established under Section 28(6) of the Elections Act, 2025. The ruling confirms the legal standing of the registration after the court determined that the objections failed to meet the required evidentiary standards.
Parties dissatisfied with the decision of the Kanifing Revising Court hold the right to seek further legal recourse. According to Section 32(1) of the Elections Act, 2025, any party wishing to contest the ruling may file a written notice of appeal to the High Court. Such notices must be submitted within two days of the court’s final order.