A heated controversy has erupted in Nyagen Village, Niani District, Central River Region (CRR), after regional authorities temporarily confiscated the official village stamp, triggering sharp accusations from the opposition UNITE Movement for Change (UMC) of political intimidation and voter suppression just as the nationwide voter registration exercise begins.
The UNITE Movement for Change, in a statement issued by its spokesperson Kemo Bojang, described the action as “a dangerous abuse of authority” and “a direct threat to the integrity of our democratic process.”
According to UNITE, credible reports indicate that the Governor of the Central River Region and the District Seyfo seized the alkali (alkalo) stamp because the alkalo’s son, identified as Mbye Nyan, is allegedly associated with the UMC.
“The consequences are going to harm hundreds of innocent Gambians who are now unable to access the attestations required to obtain their voter cards,” Bojang said. “In effect, they are being denied their constitutional right to participate in the electoral process. This is unacceptable.”
Bojang stressed that traditional leaders have “no role in manipulating or obstructing electoral participation.” He argued that the alkali stamp is a public instrument meant to facilitate civic life, not to punish political association.
“This is not just about Nyagen. It is about the future of our democracy,” he added. “We are witnessing a broader and increasingly visible pattern where the NPP and elements within the government are beginning to recognize UNITE as a genuine political force… Instead of engaging fairly, there are now worrying signs of intimidation, suppression, and victimization.”
UNITE demanded the immediate return of the stamp to the rightful village authority, the urgent restoration of access to voter documentation for affected residents, a full, transparent, and independent investigation, and clear assurances that no Gambian will be denied the right to vote on the basis of political affiliation.
“Democracy cannot survive where fear, coercion, and abuse of power are allowed to take root,” Bojang concluded. “The right to vote is sacred. It must be protected at all costs. UNITE will continue to stand with the people, fearlessly, firmly, and without compromise. The Gambia belongs to all of us.”
In response, the Government of The Gambia issued a press release through the Ministry of Information, Media and Broadcasting Services, defending its actions as necessary to safeguard the integrity of the voter registration process.
The government stated that reports had reached authorities indicating the official village stamp “may have been used in a manner inconsistent with its intended purpose.” In response, the Governor of the Central River Region convened a meeting with the Alkalo of Nyagen Village, the District Seyfo, senior Seyfolu, and the Deputy Governor to establish the facts.
“During that meeting, the Alkalo confirmed that he had entrusted the village stamp to his son,” the statement read. “Given the need to maintain public confidence and strict administrative neutrality during the registration period, the stamp has been temporarily withdrawn and placed under secure custody.”
The District Seyfo and village elders are now consulting on appointing an “appropriate and impartial custodian” while the matter is under review.
“The Government makes clear that official administrative instruments belong to the community and the State. No individual, regardless of position or affiliation, may use them for purposes other than their lawful administrative function. Where misuse is established, the law will apply without exception,” the release added.
The government reiterated its commitment to “a free, fair, and credible voter registration process” and stressed that “every eligible Gambian deserves a registration process they can trust.”
The dispute centers on the critical role of the alkalo stamp in the current voter registration rules. An attestation from the village alkalo, certified by the official stamp, is sufficient for individuals to prove residency and eligibility for voter registration. Control of the stamp, therefore, carries significant influence over who can successfully register.
Civil society organizations have for years called for the abolition of the alkalo attestation requirement, arguing it is open to abuse and politicization, but the National Assembly has yet to reform the process.
The incident has heightened tensions in the lead-up to future elections, with opposition voices warning of a pattern of using traditional institutions and administrative tools to disadvantage emerging political movements like UMC, led by Talib Bensouda.
Local residents in Nyagen and surrounding areas expressed concern over delays in obtaining necessary documents, fearing they could miss the voter registration window. Some villagers, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the temporary removal of the stamp has already disrupted daily administrative services beyond voter registration, including land and civil documents.
As the standoff continues, both sides have positioned the issue as fundamental to democratic integrity. UNITE frames it as political persecution, while the government presents it as a routine administrative correction to prevent misuse of public instruments.
Analysts say the controversy underscores deeper questions about the neutrality of traditional authorities during election periods and the urgent need for clearer guidelines or outright reform of the attestation system to prevent similar disputes in the future.
The Ministry of Information has not provided a timeline for when the stamp might be returned or a new custodian appointed. UNITE has vowed to monitor the situation closely and support affected residents.
