By: Kebba Ansu Manneh
The Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) has uncovered over 2,000 cases of double voter registration since the supplementary voter registration exercise began on April 8, 2026, Chairman Joseph Kolley has disclosed.
Speaking at the 2nd Multi-Stakeholder Forum on Thursday, April 23, 2026, at the Sir Dawda Kairaba Jawara International Conference Center, Chairman Kolley described the figure as a matter of serious concern and a direct violation of The Gambia’s electoral laws.
“It is a matter of concern to the Commission that some voters who were already registered in 2021 are showing up to be registered again,” Kolley said. “This amounts to double registration, which is a serious offense under the electoral laws of the country.”
He stressed that despite the Commission’s extensive voter education and sensitization campaigns, more than 2,000 individuals have attempted to register a second time. “Double registration is against the laws of the country that applicants have to adhere to,” he added.
The supplementary registration, which serves as an addition to the 2021 voter register, aims to accommodate new voters and those who missed the previous exercise. Chairman Kolley assured Gambians and all stakeholders of the IEC’s unwavering commitment to conducting a credible process without compromising integrity.
“The 2026 supplementary voter registration is being conducted in a very open and transparent manner,” he noted. The Commission has accredited civil society organizations and media outlets, and has granted political parties unrestricted access to observe the entire exercise.
In addition to fresh registrations, the IEC is also replacing lost, damaged, or mutilated voter cards and facilitating transfers of registration details across regions, constituencies, and wards. Kolley acknowledged that these activities are progressing well despite some logistical and operational hurdles.
“The operational aspects are impressive so far, except in very few areas,” he said. “All our teams are executing their functions in a very professional and conscientious manner pursuant to the core values of the IEC.”
However, he highlighted specific challenges currently being addressed. These include faulty printer heads at some centers and incorrect registration date settings by one of the 100 deployed teams. The issue was particularly noted in the Yarambamba area, where corrective measures have already been implemented.
Beyond technical issues, Chairman Kolley expressed worry over increasing political interference in the registration process. He warned that undue activism by some political actors could undermine the smooth conduct of the exercise and erode public confidence in the electoral system.
He also strongly condemned the activities of certain aspiring political groups that have not yet been formally registered as political parties. Such actions, he said, violate Section 105 of the 1997 Constitution and Sections 105–110 of the Elections Act.
“Only political parties duly registered with the IEC in accordance with the Elections Act are permitted to sponsor candidates for public elections, access state media under regulated airtime, and benefit from protections accorded to political parties,” Kolley explained. “Any group that is not so registered cannot lawfully present itself as a political party or enjoy the privileges reserved for registered parties.”
He clarified that the IEC does not register political movements. Organizations wishing to operate as NGOs or associations must register with the Attorney General’s Chambers, but this does not grant them the rights or status of a political party.
Chairman Kolley’s remarks come as the supplementary registration enters its third week. The exercise is expected to strengthen the voter roll ahead of future elections, with the IEC emphasizing transparency, professionalism, and strict adherence to the law.
Stakeholders at the forum welcomed the update while calling for continued collaboration to ensure the process remains free from irregularities. The Commission has reiterated its readiness to take appropriate action against anyone found to be engaging in double registration or other electoral offenses.
