By Alieu Ceesay
The Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) has announced the registration of 212,095 new voters during the 2026 supplementary voter registration exercise, a significant boost to the electorate as the country prepares for December’s general elections.
According to figures released by the Commission, between 8 April and 24 May 2026, 96,581 males and 115,504 females were newly registered. An additional 8,169 voters successfully transferred between polling stations. These new registrations will be added to the 2021 general voter register once the provisional list is published and the revision court process is completed.
IEC Chairman Mr. Joe Colley disclosed the statistics on Thursday during a high-level stakeholder dialogue at the Sir Dawda Kairaba Jawara Conference Center in Bijilo. The forum provided the Commission with a platform to engage political parties, civil society, and other electoral stakeholders on the progress of preparations for the upcoming polls.
While welcoming the surge in participation, the IEC raised serious concerns over multiple registrations. The Commission identified 24,058 cases of suspected double or multiple voter registrations.
“Double or multiple voter registration is a criminal offense under the laws of The Gambia. The Commission will take the relevant measures in response,” Mr. Colley warned.
He added that further adjudication is ongoing and that culprits could face prosecution or be barred from participating in the elections. The Commission has opened a 14-day window for appeals, during which any person can challenge the eligibility of a registered voter. The revision court will hear these appeals.
The supplementary registration exercise, which ran from 8 April to 21 May 2026, deployed 100 voter registration teams across the country. The Commission also facilitated the replacement of lost or damaged voter cards and the transfer of voters who had changed residence.
Party agents closely monitored the process at both registration centers and IEC offices, while the Commission intensified voter sensitization campaigns to enhance public understanding and participation.
The IEC described the supplementary registration as a critical addition to the 2021 register, intended to ensure a credible, inclusive, and transparent electoral process. The final total number of registered voters for the 2026 electoral cycle is expected to be released in the coming days.
Stakeholders at the Bijilo engagement commended the IEC for its transparency and commitment to inclusive participation, while urging stronger enforcement against electoral malpractices.
