By Fatou Sillah
The People’s Democratic Organization for Independence and Socialism (PDOIS) has called on citizens, political stakeholders, and the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) to uphold the integrity of the ongoing voter registration exercise by ensuring it remains credible, lawful, and free from manipulation.
In a statement issued to the press, the party urged all actors involved in the process to act responsibly and in accordance with electoral laws. “We urge all citizens, political actors, and the Independent Electoral Commission to do everything humanly possible to ensure that the ongoing voter registration exercise remains credible, lawful, and free from manipulation,” the statement read.
PDOIS expressed concern over reported irregularities, warning that such practices could undermine public confidence in the electoral process. The party cited allegations of unlawful registration activities, including the enrollment of underage individuals, the use of falsified documents, and the registration of non-citizens.
“Reports of attempted unlawful registration, which includes underage registration, use of falsified documents, and registration of non-citizens, pose a direct threat to the integrity of the ballot and the will of the Gambian people,” the statement noted.
The party emphasized that only eligible Gambians—those aged 18 years and above and in possession of valid identification documents as required by law—should be registered.
PDOIS further called on community leaders, civil society organizations, and electoral stakeholders to actively monitor registration centers and promptly report any irregularities. It specifically urged local authorities, including Alkalolu and Chiefs, as well as party agents and observers, to remain vigilant throughout the process.
In addition, the party appealed to the National Council for Civic Education (NCCE) to intensify public awareness campaigns, focusing not only on the registration procedures but also on the legal consequences of engaging in electoral malpractice.
The statement also called on the IEC, the administration of President Adama Barrow, and law enforcement agencies to ensure strict enforcement of electoral laws. It stressed that any individual or entity found engaging in unlawful registration practices should be held accountable.
“We call on the IEC, Adama Barrow’s administration, and law enforcement officers to ensure that any political actor, public official, or individual found aiding unlawful registration… faces the full force of the law,” the party stated.
PDOIS underscored the importance of conducting elections based on the genuine will of the electorate. “Let us ensure that elections are won based on the undiluted consent of the citizens and not on a forged list of voters,” the statement added, while also emphasizing the need to register all eligible citizens, including vulnerable groups and persons with disabilities.
The party further urged the IEC to enhance transparency by providing clear communication channels for lodging complaints and by publishing provisional voter lists in a timely manner to allow for objections.
“It should inform the public of the avenues available during and immediately after the registration process and display the provisional list so that those who wish to file objections can do so at the appropriate time and place,” the statement said.
Finally, PDOIS cautioned community leaders entrusted with attesting to voter eligibility to exercise due diligence. It warned that misuse of official authority—such as endorsing underage or non-citizen applicants—could result in legal consequences.
The party reiterated that safeguarding the credibility of the voter registration process is a collective responsibility essential to ensuring free, fair, and transparent elections.
Comments are closed.