Ousainu ANM Darboe, Secretary and Party Leader UDP
By Seedy Jobe
The Secretary General and Party Leader of the United Democratic Party (UDP), Lawyer A.N.M. Ousainou Darboe, has called for strict electoral integrity, stressing that the credibility of any election begins with a transparent and lawful voter registration process.
In an interview with journalists, Mr. Darboe urged the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) to rigorously adhere to the law and thoroughly scrutinize all voter registrants.
“I hope that a situation will not arise which will compel any party, whether UDP or another party, to take matters to the court,” he said, adding that compliance with electoral laws would eliminate the need for legal disputes.
The UDP leader emphasized that all electoral procedures must be conducted in line with both the spirit and letter of the law. “We would expect that everything would be done according to the spirit and letter of the law. That is what we expect. So there wouldn’t be any need for anyone to go to court”, he stated.
Although unsolicited, he said his advice to the IEC was grounded in the critical role voter registration plays in determining the credibility of elections. “I’m saying that let us ensure the integrity of the elections, and the integrity commences with registration. If the registration is good, then the elections are good.”
Darboe cautioned the IEC against treating possession of a national identity card as conclusive proof of citizenship, arguing that it should only be considered preliminary evidence.
“The mere fact that a man comes with a national identity card should not itself be conclusive. It may just constitute prima facie evidence of his citizenship. It cannot be conclusive. So the IEC, I’m saying that, should interrogate claimants, particularly claimants who appear to be suspicious. Interrogate them properly, and then you arrive at a proper conclusion, a proper decision.”
Commenting on recent decisions by political veterans Halifa Sallah and Sidia Jatta to step back from active politics, and on calls by some critics for him to do the same following the last UDP Congress, Darboe dismissed such suggestions.
“Let them continue, you know. I will say whatever they like, If it’s longevity, Halifa and Sidia have been in politics for more than 40 years. I’ve not got that”, he remarked.
He rejected the notion that his political future should be dictated by critics, insisting that the decision to step aside rests solely with him.
“So look, I think they should mind their business. Those two gentlemen, whom I have very high regard for, have looked at themselves, assessed themselves, and then come to a decision that they will quit. I will also decide when the time is right. So I’m not going to listen to those critics. I’m not going to listen to them at all. I decide when I leave politics. Nobody told me when to come into politics”, he emphasized.
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