The United Democratic Party (UDP) has issued a scathing rebuttal to the National People’s Party (NPP) following accusations over removing Clause 14 from the elections bill, a provision intended to grant voting rights to Gambians living abroad. In a strongly worded statement, the UDP accused the NPP of undermining democracy and attempting to silence the diaspora, a group they claim largely opposes the ruling party.
The UDP emphasized its long-standing commitment to democratic principles and the constitutional rights of all Gambians, regardless of residency. “The NPP’s attempt to shift blame onto the UDP for their decision to remove the diaspora voting clause is not only misleading but also a clear indication of their lack of genuine commitment to inclusive democracy,” the UDP media team stated. They argued that every Gambian, at home or abroad, possesses an “inalienable right” to participate in the democratic process.
The controversy stems from the NPP’s decision to scrap Clause 14, which they justified by citing constitutional and logistical challenges. However, the UDP dismissed these explanations as excuses, accusing the NPP of fearing the diaspora vote due to its perceived lack of support among Gambians overseas. “If the NPP were truly committed to diaspora voting, they would have worked to address these challenges rather than using them as a pretext to exclude Gambians abroad,” the UDP charged.
The UDP also pointed to past legislative battles, noting that while they supported the 2020 Draft Constitution—which included provisions for broader voting rights—National Assembly Members aligned with President Barrow and the National Reconciliation Party (NRP) voted it down. According to the UDP, this move effectively disenfranchised thousands of Gambians abroad, contradicting Barrow’s 2016 manifesto promise of a new constitution, a pledge the UDP claims to have championed.
Calling the NPP’s actions “hypocritical” and “disingenuous,” the UDP accused the ruling party of manipulating the electoral process to cling to power. “The truth is that the NPP fears the diaspora vote because they know that the overwhelming majority of Gambians living abroad do not support their party or its policies,” the statement read.
The UDP urged the NPP to reverse course and reinstate Clause 14, offering to collaborate with the National Assembly and stakeholders to ensure free, fair, and transparent elections for all Gambians. “Diaspora voting is not only a constitutional right but also a moral imperative,” the party insisted, vowing to continue advocating for inclusivity and holding the NPP accountable.
As tensions rise ahead of future elections, the UDP’s statement underscores a deepening rift between Gambia’s major political players, with the diaspora vote emerging as a contentious battleground. The NPP has yet to respond to the UDP’s latest salvo.
