Dear Editor,
Why are other opposition political parties not challenging the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) more vigorously over the reported anomalies in our electoral register?
Is it not the case that the more opposition parties collectively challenge these irregularities through lawful means, including the courts where appropriate, the stronger the representation, public scrutiny and demand for electoral accountability?
Although multiple court complaints do not automatically strengthen a legal case, a coordinated challenge supported by credible evidence could demonstrate the seriousness and breadth of public concern about the integrity of our electoral process.
History reminds us that the United Democratic Party (UDP) was among the most victimised, persecuted and brutalised political organisations during Yahya Jammeh’s dictatorship. Its leadership, members and supporters suffered harassment, imprisonment, intimidation and serious violations of their fundamental human rights.
When the dictatorship behaved as though it owned everything Gambian, the UDP stood firm. Its members endured enormous personal sacrifices in the struggle for freedom, justice, democracy and the restoration of constitutional governance.
The UDP paid a particularly heavy price for resisting dictatorship. Yet, despite these painful experiences, the party remained resilient, organised and committed to democratic change.
Today, I cannot help but feel that whenever political tensions escalate between the opposition and those exercising state authority, other opposition parties too often seem content to leave the UDP at the forefront of the confrontation, carrying much of the political, legal and organisational burden and bearing the consequential damage.
But why should the defence of our electoral democracy become the responsibility of one political party?
The UDP undoubtedly possesses the organisational structures, human resources, intellectual capacity, political experience and legal expertise to challenge injustice and defend constitutional rights. Its historical contribution to ending dictatorship attests to its resilience and commitment.
However, the integrity of the electoral register is not exclusively a UDP concern. It is a national concern affecting every political party, every presidential candidate and, most importantly, every eligible Gambian voter.
With the presidential election scheduled for 5 December 2026, this is not the time for political silence, complacency or fragmented opposition.
It is time for meaningful dialogue, collective responsibility and a united democratic response.
Should we not now establish a common opposition framework, with the UDP playing a central role alongside other political parties, to demand a credible, transparent and verifiable electoral register?
Such a framework should encourage evidence-sharing, coordinated legal action where justified, independent scrutiny of registration anomalies, and collective engagement with the IEC.
Opposition parties do not have to surrender their political identities, abandon their individual ambitions or enter into electoral coalitions to cooperate on matters of national democratic importance.
They need to recognise that a credible electoral process is a shared democratic responsibility, not a partisan privilege.
The UDP has already demonstrated, through decades of sacrifice, that it is prepared to stand against injustice. But the struggle for electoral transparency should not once again become a lonely political battle fought predominantly by one party.
We must learn from our history.
The dictatorship was eventually defeated because Gambians found the courage to resist authoritarianism and work towards a common democratic objective.
Surely, the lessons of that struggle should inspire our opposition leaders today.
My appeal to all opposition parties is simple: let us move beyond political rhetoric and embrace meaningful dialogue, solidarity and coordinated constitutional action.
Let us challenge electoral irregularities with credible evidence, legal determination and collective democratic responsibility.
Let us ensure that no political party is left alone to defend rights that belong to every Gambian.
Above all, let us remember that the ultimate objective is not merely to defeat an incumbent president, but to protect the democratic foundations of our Republic.
The UDP cannot and should not be expected to carry the entire burden of defending our democracy. The time has come for every opposition party to stand up, speak out and take responsibility.
A free, fair, credible and transparent election is not a favour from the IEC. It is a democratic right that every Gambian deserves.
Salifu Manneh
USA
