By Makutu Manneh
The Chairman of the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC), Joseph Colley, has issued a warning to unregistered political groups to desist from interfering in the ongoing supplementary voter registration exercise.
Speaking at a monthly stakeholder forum, Mr. Colley expressed concern over what he described as undue involvement by aspiring political parties that are yet to be formally recognized by the Commission. He cautioned that such actions risk undermining the credibility and smooth conduct of the electoral process.
“The activities of some aspiring political parties, which are yet to be registered as fully fledged and bona fide political parties, are quite worrying. Such unwarranted political activism has the potential to hamper the smooth conduct of the voter registration exercise and impact the very integrity of the electoral process,” he stated.
Mr. Colley further noted that some of these activities amount to violations of Section 105 of the 1997 Constitution, as well as Sections 105 to 110 of the Elections Act 2025. He emphasized that the legal framework governing political party registration is designed to ensure accountability, transparency, fair competition, and adherence to the rule of law.
He reiterated that only political parties duly registered with the IEC are legally permitted to sponsor candidates in public elections, access state media under regulated conditions, and benefit from the rights and protections afforded to recognized political entities.
“Any group that is not so registered cannot lawfully present itself as a political party or enjoy the privileges reserved for registered parties,” Mr. Colley said.
The IEC continues to oversee the supplementary voter registration process as part of preparations for upcoming electoral activities, urging all stakeholders to comply with the law and uphold the integrity of the democratic process.
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