The Government of The Gambia has sparked widespread controversy by initiating the issuance of National Identity Cards (ID Cards) to citizens residing outside the country. This move has prompted strong condemnation from stakeholders who argue that it undermines democratic integrity and the nation’s legal framework.
The Center for Civic Education and other concerned groups have criticized the Gambia Immigration Department’s decision, labeling it as a potential breach of constitutional and legislative norms. The issuance of national ID cards is a sovereign process governed by strict legal procedures, primarily outlined in the 1997 Constitution. Section 39 guarantees voting rights to citizens residing in The Gambia who meet specific qualifications, while the Elections Act allows for diaspora voter registration under regulated conditions. However, the current initiative to issue ID cards abroad lacks parliamentary approval, a published legal framework, or public consultation, raising fears of executive overreach.
“No official Gazette or legislative amendment has been made public to support this policy,” the Center for Civic Education said in a statement shared with TAT. “This absence of transparency risks violating the rule of law and due process, core pillars of our constitutional democracy.”
Critics have also questioned the procedural integrity of issuing ID cards in foreign jurisdictions. Key concerns include the lack of clarity on biometric and documentary verification processes, oversight mechanisms, and the authenticity of supporting documents across varying international standards. Without robust safeguards, stakeholders warn that the process could lead to identity fraud, double registration, or manipulation of the national register.
The timing of the initiative has further fueled suspicions, as it coincides with rising political tensions ahead of a critical presidential election. Some opposition parties allege the move is a strategic attempt to expand the voter base in favor of the incumbent government. “The electoral register is a sacred democratic instrument, not a tool for political manipulation,” the Center for Civic Education emphasized, pointing to historical instances where state machinery influenced electoral outcomes.
The lack of transparency and the potential for electoral manipulation have led to calls for immediate action. Stakeholders urge the government to halt the issuance of ID cards abroad until a clear legal framework is established and parliamentary scrutiny is conducted. They also demand public disclosure of the verification processes and oversight institutions involved to ensure credibility.
The controversy has ignited a broader debate about the sanctity of The Gambia’s democratic processes. With the presidential election looming, the government faces mounting pressure to address these concerns and restore public trust. Failure to do so, critics warn, could undermine the principle of equal suffrage and skew the electoral playing field, threatening the nation’s democratic stability.
As the debate intensifies, all eyes are on the government to provide answers and demonstrate its commitment to upholding the rule of law and democratic principles in The Gambia.
