By Makutu Manneh
Mama Kandeh, leader of the Gambia Democratic Congress (GDC), has accused the ruling National People’s Party (NPP) of facilitating the registration of foreigners during the recent supplementary voter registration exercise and has called on the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) to launch a full investigation into the allegations.
Speaking at a political meeting in Kitty, Kandeh claimed to possess audio evidence allegedly implicating individuals linked to the NPP in a scheme to register non-Gambians. According to him, the recordings were obtained from a Sarahulle “Sunikara” group, which he referred to as “Sunikara NPP,” where participants were allegedly discussing the process.
Kandeh cited figures from the purported audio, alleging that a total of 3,343 foreigners were registered across 18 communities. The locations and figures he listed include Old Yundum (309), New Yundum (234), Latriya (112), Jabang (354), Tawuto (225), Bakoteh (156), Kanifing (324), Kanifing Layout (58), Pipeline (261), Jambur (212), Bakau Newtown (126), Fajara Hotel (54), Fajara Sabina (71), Sukuta Junctionba (134), Brusubi (45), Farato (327), Busumbala (213), and Makumbaya (128).
He further disclosed that he has submitted the audio recordings to the Vice Chairman of the IEC, urging the Commission to act impartially.
“I am urging the IEC to ensure fair play among all political parties ahead of the elections. I have submitted the audio recordings to the Vice Chairman of the IEC. In those recordings, individuals are heard discussing payments made to facilitate the transportation and registration of foreigners,” Kandeh stated.
Kandeh also alleged that individuals mentioned in the recordings, including one Hagie Baniko, expressed dissatisfaction over payments, claiming they had made multiple trips but received only D200.
He further argued that the alleged use of local authorities, including alkalolu and chiefs, to authenticate attestations could complicate efforts to identify non-Gambians.
Additionally, the GDC leader raised concerns about a voter’s card circulating on social media, which he said is dated 2025—despite no voter registration exercise taking place that year. He noted that the card bears “GMB” instead of a registration number, was reportedly issued at 6:34 p.m. in Sandu, and carries the signature of the current IEC Chairman.
Kandeh questioned the legitimacy of the card, pointing out that IEC operations typically end by 6:00 p.m.
He called on the Commission to publicly clarify the circumstances surrounding the issuance of the card.
“I am calling on the IEC to come forward and provide clarity to the public regarding this voter’s card,” he said.
The IEC has yet to respond to the allegations at the time of publication.
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