Dear Editor,
During the 2026 Supplementary Voter Registration and Revising Court exercise, the United Democratic Party (UDP) exercised its lawful right to object to registrations where our legal and electoral teams identified serious concerns regarding the authenticity, eligibility, or manner in which certain national documents may have been obtained.

The UDP’s position has consistently been that the integrity of the voters’ register must be protected through lawful, transparent, and evidence-based processes. The IEC’s electoral calendar provides for objections and appeals, followed by hearings before the revising courts.

Through the court proceedings, our legal team has presented evidence in a number of cases, and the courts have upheld several of the objections brought by the UDP. In some cases, evidence presented during proceedings has raised serious questions about how certain individuals came to possess Gambian national documents, including voter cards, and whether those documents were obtained for the specific purpose of participating in an election despite questions concerning their eligibility.

These cases should not, however, be reduced to a question of hostility toward immigrants. There is a fundamental difference between respecting immigrants and allowing people to be improperly documented or used as electoral instruments. The UDP believes that every person deserves dignity, fair treatment, and access to the lawful processes available under Gambian law.

Indeed, some members of our legal team are volunteering their services on a pro bono basis to assist individuals who have appeared as defendants in cases brought before the revising courts and who, based on their circumstances, may have legitimate avenues to regularise their status. Where an individual is eligible for naturalisation or another lawful form of regularization, we believe they should be assisted in pursuing that process through the appropriate authorities rather than being left in legal uncertainty. Gambian law provides established pathways for citizenship through registration and naturalisation, subject to the applicable requirements.

We are also aware of concerns that some political actors may be reluctant to pursue electoral objections for fear of being characterised as “anti-immigrant”. The UDP does not believe that protecting the integrity of the electoral process should be confused with opposition to immigration. Our concern is not where a person comes from; our concern is whether the law was followed and whether the electoral process is being respected.

The UDP does not believe that people should be recruited, documented, or given political rights merely for the purpose of influencing an election and then abandoned once their electoral usefulness has ended. That is not a responsible approach to immigration, citizenship, or democracy. It risks exploiting vulnerable people while undermining public confidence in both our national institutions and our electoral system.

Our position is therefore straightforward, protect the integrity of the vote, respect the dignity of every individual, and ensure that everyone is treated according to the law. These principles are not contradictory; they are essential to a functioning democracy.

The UDP will continue to pursue legitimate electoral objections through the courts, while also supporting lawful avenues for individuals who may have been caught up in questionable documentation practices to regularize their status where they are eligible to do so.

Democracy requires both an honest voters’ register and respect for the rights and dignity of every person. We believe The Gambia can and must uphold both.

Saikou Camara
UDP Media and Communications Team

EFSCRJ calls on government to update the public on pending investigations

Dear Editor,
As part of its human rights and accountability monitoring initiative, EFSCRJ continues to track investigations and inquiries announced by public institutions. While some of these matters have remained unresolved for weeks and others for more than a year, the public has received little or no information about their status, findings, or resulting actions. Investigations cannot promote accountability if their outcomes are withheld from citizens.

Death of Omar Badgie: Omar Badgie, a 27-year-old resident of Mandinari, died on 26th  September 2025 following an encounter with police officers. On 21st  April 2026, a coroner’s inquest found that he died from an acute brain injury caused by physical exertion, stress, and assault by police officers. The Chief Justice forwarded the report to the Attorney General and Director of Public Prosecutions for necessary action, but the public has not been informed whether anyone has been charged or prosecuted.

Death of Ebrima Gassama: Activist Ebrima Gassama died at Brikama Health Centre on 30th August 2026 after suffering a severe asthma attack amid allegations that a power outage affected the provision of oxygen or other lifesaving treatment. The Ministry of Health announced an investigation 1st September 2026, but it has not disclosed its terms of reference, membership, timeframe, or current status.

Allegations against former CDS Mamat Cham: Following allegations published

on social media on 1st June 2026 concerning corruption, abuse of office, private

commercial activities and the alleged misuse of military personnel or resources,

President Adama Barrow ordered an inquiry on 3 June. Despite the seriousness of the allegations and Lt Gen Mamat Cham’s subsequent departure from office, the government has not disclosed the inquiry’s composition, findings, or any disciplinary, administrative or criminal action taken.

Sale of Former President Jammeh’s Assets: The National Assembly Special Select

Committee investigated the sale and disposal of assets belonging to former President Yahya Jammeh following allegations of corruption, abuse of office, disregard of the law, conflict of interest, undervaluation among other irregularities. The Committee presented its final report to the National Assembly and the president on 29th May 2026, but the government has not clearly stated which recommendations it accepts or what action it has taken to hold responsible persons accountable and recover any lost public

assets or funds… Read in full here: https://efscrj.org/efscrj-calls-on-government-to-update-the-public-on-pending-investigations/

Madi Jobarteh
EFSCRJ