The opposition United Democratic Party (UDP) has voiced deep concern over what it describes as serious threats to electoral integrity during the ongoing supplementary voter registration exercise, spotlighting an incident at the Tanji registration center involving alleged document forgery and questionable accreditation by the ruling National People’s Party (NPP).
In a statement, the UDP revealed it had previously lodged an official complaint with the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) and the Gambia Police Force regarding a woman allegedly found in possession of three forged Gambian birth certificates at the Tanji site. The matter is reportedly under active police investigation at Brusubi Police Station, with case reference D | Ref # 37-21-04-26.
The party expressed shock that the same individual has since returned to the site and been accredited as an approved agent for the ruling NPP. “This development raises serious questions about the credibility and impartiality of the IEC as well as the due diligence it did or did not conduct,” the UDP stated. It questioned how a person allegedly under criminal investigation for forging national documents could be cleared to participate in a sensitive democratic process aimed at eliminating fraud.
The UDP further pointed to the reported involvement of senior NPP figures, including Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly Seedy S.K. Njie, in facilitating the situation, suggesting possible political interference in independent institutions. While expressing belief that the police will uphold the rule of law without fear or favor, the party said it remains vigilant and is giving authorities the benefit of the doubt.
The statement urged the IEC to review the accreditation and provide a transparent public explanation immediately. It also called on the Gambia Police Force to update the public on the investigation’s status and to act decisively in accordance with the law.
“Free, fair, and credible elections are the cornerstone of our democracy. Any action that compromises this process must be addressed swiftly and unequivocally,” the UDP emphasized. The party reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding the integrity of The Gambia’s electoral system and holding all institutions accountable for justice, transparency, and democratic principles.
The allegations come amid heightened political tensions during the 2026 supplementary voter registration, with both parties trading claims and counterclaims over irregularities at Tanji. The NPP has previously rejected similar accusations as baseless propaganda.
