National Reconciliation Party (NRP) National Assembly Member for Niamina Dankunku Samba Jallow cautioned the ruling National Peoples Party (NPP) regarding persistent allegations of registering foreigners and minors. Mr. Jallow stated that the NPP Grand Coalition should be "extra careful this time to avoid justifying the petition against us in 2021," referring to a previous petition that could not be heard due to "technicalities." He added, "It was rather unfortunate that the petition could not be heard due to some technicalities and that came as a big relief for the ruling NPP Grand Coalition because we were not sure about the evidences that they have." Mr. Jallow noted the allegations could pertain to "the registration of foreigners or minors. We don’t know."
Allegations of Irregularities Surface
Allegations of malpractices, including the attempted registration of foreigners and minors, alongside the proliferation of forged birth certificates, are reportedly surfacing almost daily. These claims suggest ongoing issues within the voter registration process.
The former Minority Leader, whose identity was not specified in the allegations, has attributed blame to law enforcement agencies for not pursuing these matters. He stated that the police have refused to prosecute cases involving forged birth certificates when such incidents are reported to them. This alleged inaction by the police has drawn criticism amid the growing concerns over voter registration irregularities. The claims highlight a perceived lack of enforcement regarding fraudulent documentation used in the registration process.
Echoes of Past Electoral Disputes
Hon. Jallow voiced concerns that the National Peoples Party's (NPP) alleged participation in electoral malpractice could bolster claims of fraud made by the United Democratic Party (UDP) following the 2021 elections. The opposition United Democratic Party had filed a legal petition against the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) and the NPP in the aftermath of those elections. However, the UDP's petition, which targeted both the IEC and the NPP, ultimately could not be heard due to procedural technicalities. Mr. Jallow's current remarks suggest a continuity of issues that previously impacted electoral outcomes and legal challenges.
Calls for Accountability and Action
National Reconciliation Party (NRP) National Assembly Member Samba Jallow urged political parties, particularly the United Democratic Party (UDP) and the National Peoples Party (NPP), to set an example for peaceful and credible elections. Mr. Jallow advised that any grievances should be directed to the revising courts. He reiterated concerns about past electoral challenges, stating, "It was rather unfortunate that the petition could not be heard due to some technicalities and that came as a big relief for the ruling NPP Grand Coalition because we were not sure about the evidences that they have. This is why I think we should be extra careful this time to avoid justifying the petition against us in 2021." He added, "It could be about the registration of foreigners or minors. We don’t know."
Separately, an anonymous political activist called for immediate action from electoral and law enforcement bodies. The activist demanded that the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) audit every registration center without delay. "The police must arrest anyone caught registering minors or foreigners," the activist stated, adding, "If the institutions fail, they become accomplices. The Gambian people will hold them accountable."
Concerns for Election Integrity
The allegations surface ahead of the upcoming December presidential election, raising concerns about the integrity of the voter registration process. National Reconciliation Party (NRP) National Assembly Member Samba Jallow stated that the ruling National Peoples Party (NPP) Grand Coalition does not know the full contents of the United Democratic Party's (UDP) 2021 election petition. "It was rather unfortunate that the petition could not be heard due to some technicalities and that came as a big relief for the ruling NPP Grand Coalition because we were not sure about the evidences that they have. This is why I think we should be extra careful this time to avoid justifying the petition against us in 2021," Jallow said. He further speculated on the nature of the potential evidence, stating, "It could be about the registration of foreigners or minors. We don’t know."
