Dozens of young supporters of the opposition United Democratic Party (UDP) staged a protest along the Bertil Harding Highway, directly opposite the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) headquarters, to denounce the issuance of Gambian national identity cards in foreign countries. The demonstration, marked by placards and spirited chants, underscored the group’s concerns over potential threats to the integrity of Gambia’s electoral process.
The UDP Youth Wing, a vocal faction of the opposition party, gathered early Saturday morning, their voices echoing along the busy highway as they called for the government to reconsider its policy on issuing ID cards abroad. Holding signs with messages like “Protect Our Vote!” and “No Foreign IDs!”, the protesters argued that allowing Gambian national identity cards to be issued overseas could open the door to electoral manipulation. They expressed fears that non-citizens might exploit the process to obtain Gambian documents, potentially influencing the outcome of future elections.
“This is about safeguarding our democracy,” said Sheriffo Sonko, a UDP youth leader, addressing the crowd. “Issuing ID cards abroad without strict oversight risks giving voting power to people with no stake in Gambia’s future. We cannot allow our elections to be compromised.”
The protest, which briefly disrupted traffic along the Bertil Harding Highway, drew a mixed response from onlookers. Some commuters honked in solidarity, while others expressed frustration at the delays. Police were present to maintain order, but no incidents of violence were reported during the demonstration.
The IEC overseeing Gambia’s electoral processes has yet to issue an official statement on the policy or the protests. However, sources within the commission indicated that the initiative to issue ID cards abroad aims to facilitate Gambian diaspora participation in national affairs, including voter registration. The government has emphasized that stringent measures would be in place to verify applicants’ eligibility, but these assurances have done little to quell the UDP’s concerns.
UDP officials have repeatedly criticized the government for what they perceive as attempts to weaken electoral safeguards. “The issuance of ID cards abroad is a dangerous precedent,” said another UDP member of the youth wing. “Without transparent and foolproof mechanisms, this could be a backdoor to rigging elections. We demand clarity and accountability.”
The demonstration comes amid heightened political tensions in Gambia as the country prepares for upcoming elections. The UDP, one of Gambia’s largest opposition parties, has been vocal about ensuring a level playing field, citing past concerns over electoral irregularities. The youth wing’s protest signals growing unease among younger voters, who see the ID card issue as a potential threat to democratic fairness.
As the protesters dispersed by late afternoon, they vowed to continue their campaign until the government addresses their demands. “This is just the beginning,” Sonko declared. “We will keep fighting to protect Gambia’s democracy.”
The government has not yet responded to the UDP’s concerns, but the issue will likely remain a flashpoint as the nation gears up for its next electoral cycle.
