By: Kebba Ansu Manneh
The Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) will delete the names of all voters found to have registered more than once during the recently concluded supplementary voter registration exercise, Chairman Joseph Colley has announced.
Addressing a stakeholder forum at the Sir Dawda Kairaba Jawara International Conference Center on Thursday, Colley said the Commission had taken a firm decision to protect the integrity of the 2026 voter register by removing multiple entries.
He disclosed that 14,334 cases of double or multiple registrations had been documented. Following constructive discussions with 15 out of 22 registered political parties at the IEC Headquarters on June 29, it was agreed that individuals who registered twice or more would have their duplicate entries deleted from the 2026 register while retaining their original registration in the 2021 voter roll.
“In cases of suspected registration fraud, the Commission will initiate legal proceedings to ensure the integrity of the voter register,” Colley stated.
The IEC Chairman emphasized that the move aligns with the Commission’s policy of inclusivity to prevent the disenfranchisement of eligible Gambians. A short window will be opened before the December 2026 elections for the replacement of lost, damaged, mutilated, or burnt voter cards.
Colley further revealed plans by the IEC, in partnership with the Economic Community of West African States Network of Electoral Commissions (ECONEC), to organize training workshops for various stakeholders. These sessions will target the media, Inter-Party Committee, civil society organizations, police, and other groups to enhance their understanding of the electoral process,
He stressed that the voter registration exercise includes not only data capture but also an appeals and objections process to be handled by revising courts. Magistrates of these courts will ultimately validate the register before it is incorporated into the existing 2021 voter database.
“The Commission places a premium on the integrity of the voter register and seeks to make this process as inclusive, transparent, and credible as possible,” Colley said. He noted that a D50 fee is required for any appeal or objection, as stipulated by law.
Starting July 7, 2026, the IEC will deploy personnel to publish provisional voter lists at all designated registration centers nationwide. Colley urged voters and stakeholders to scrutinize the lists carefully for corrections and to ensure only eligible Gambians remain on the roll.
All registered political parties will receive soft copies of the provisional lists. The Commission has also begun dialogue with parties to resolve key issues that could undermine the credibility of the voter register.
Chairman Colley concluded by reassuring Gambians and all electoral stakeholders of the IEC’s unwavering commitment to delivering free, fair, transparent, and inclusive elections in December 2026.
The announcement comes amid heightened scrutiny of the electoral process as the country prepares for polls later this year. Stakeholders have generally welcomed the IEC’s proactive steps to address multiple registrations while maintaining an inclusive approach.
