UNITE Accuses Government of Deliberately Scheduling Road Inauguration to Disrupt Bensouda’s Nomination Rally

By Staff Writer

The Unite for Integrity, Transformation and Equality (UNITE) Party has filed a formal complaint with the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC), accusing the government of deliberately scheduling a presidential road inauguration ceremony on the same day as Coalition 2026 presidential candidate Talib Ahmed Bensouda’s nomination activities.

In a letter dated November 2, 2026, addressed to IEC Chairman Joseph Colley, the party raised concerns over the government’s decision to hold a road inauguration ceremony at Abuko Lower Basic School on Saturday, November 7, at 4 p.m., coinciding with a planned Coalition 2026 rally at the Buffer Zone.

The complaint, signed by UNITE Secretary General Dembo B. Kanteh, calls for the IEC’s immediate intervention, warning that the competing events could create security risks, disrupt traffic, and undermine the coalition’s planned activities.

According to the party, the government’s ceremony was announced in a November 2 press release issued by the Ministry of Transport, Works and Infrastructure, bearing reference ADM 394/408/02 PART II (114-AS).

UNITE said it had already submitted an application to the Inspector General of Police seeking authorization to hold a rally at the Buffer Zone at 4 p.m. on November 7, following the nomination of its presidential candidate, Mr. Bensouda.

The party said the application had not yet been determined.

“UNITE regards the scheduling of this competing presidential gathering as a deliberate attempt to create a security conflict that can then be used to justify withholding our permit,” the letter stated.

“The Government must not create an avoidable public-order problem and then rely on that problem to obstruct an opposition party’s activities.”

UNITE disclosed that it had mobilized for an anticipated turnout of approximately 70,000 supporters for its nomination-day activities and subsequent rally.

The party said preparations were already underway and that the IEC and police should take the expected attendance into account when assessing security, traffic, and crowd-management requirements.

It argued that presidential nominations traditionally attract substantial political mobilization, with supporters accompanying candidates and participating in celebrations and rallies following the formal nomination process.

According to the complaint, holding the government’s inauguration ceremony at the same time would place additional pressure on limited transport infrastructure, road networks, and policing resources in Kanifing Municipality and the West Coast Region.

The party warned that competing vehicle movements, presidential security arrangements, and possible road restrictions could cause severe congestion, obstruct access routes, and bring rival political groups into close proximity.

UNITE also expressed concern that the event could attract significant mobilization by supporters of the ruling National People’s Party (NPP).

“Based on the repeated political use of official presidential events in recent months, we anticipate significant NPP mobilisation and the display of party colours, flags and other paraphernalia at the ceremony,” the letter stated.

The party further argued that competition for buses, minibuses and other vehicles could disrupt transportation arrangements for its supporters and reduce attendance at the planned rally.

It alleged that the timing of the government’s event was intended to diminish the coalition’s turnout and create a justification for denying permission for the Buffer Zone gathering.

The party maintained that its objection was not to the road inauguration itself but to the decision to schedule the ceremony at a time that could interfere with opposition political activities.

“Our objection is not to the opening of a road. It is to provocative scheduling that places political advantage ahead of public safety and fair treatment,” the letter stated.

“A ceremonial inauguration can be moved to another date without creating this conflict.”

UNITE cited Sections 89(2), 89(3) and 90(b) of the Elections Act, 2025, in support of its complaint.

According to the party, Section 89(3) requires the commission to take necessary steps to ensure that complaints are properly addressed without delay.

It also referenced Section 90(b), which requires candidates and political parties participating in election campaigns to observe ethical and moral standards and respect other candidates, political parties, voters and the Gambian people.

The party called on the IEC to engage the government immediately to secure the rescheduling of the Abuko inauguration ceremony and prevent what it described as an avoidable conflict with its nomination-day programme.

UNITE requested a written response within 48 hours of the commission receiving the complaint, saying an early decision would allow the coalition to communicate confirmed arrangements to supporters and transport organizers.

Despite its allegations, UNITE pledged to encourage its supporters to remain peaceful and cooperate with lawful security arrangements.

The party said it would continue to discourage confrontation while insisting that public authorities had a responsibility to prevent foreseeable security risks.

“We place the IEC and the Inspector General of Police on formal notice of these foreseeable risks,” the letter stated.

“Public safety must be protected through responsible planning, not invoked after an avoidable clash has been created to frustrate political participation.”

The complaint was copied to the Inspector General of Police.