By Seedy Jobe
The national youth president of the United Democratic Party, Hagi Suwaneh, has accused President Adama Barrow’s government of taking actions that he said could weaken the country’s electoral system and restrict voter participation ahead of the 2026 elections.
In a statement released this week, Mr. Suwaneh singled out provisions in the newly enacted Electoral Act, arguing that they effectively exclude large segments of the Gambian diaspora from voting and impose nomination fees so high that they risk narrowing political competition.
Under the new law, presidential candidates are required to pay one million dalasi to contest elections, while mayoral candidates must pay one hundred thousand dalasi and parliamentary candidates one hundred fifty thousand. Mr. Suwaneh described the fees as “exorbitant” and said they undermine the principles of fairness and inclusivity.
“This piece of legislation disenfranchises the Gambian diaspora, making it increasingly difficult for them to participate in shaping the future of their homeland,” he said. “How can we claim to be a fair and inclusive democracy when such barriers exist?”
Mr. Suwaneh also raised concerns about what he described as lax verification procedures in the voter registration process, warning that the acceptance of Alkalolu attestations without rigorous checks could expose elections to abuse. Such practices, he said, make the system more vulnerable to corruption and manipulation.
“To add to the alarm, Alkalolu attestations are being accepted without proper verification of voter claimants, making the electoral process more vulnerable to corruption and manipulation”, he said.
As the country approaches what he called a critical electoral cycle in 2026, Mr. Suwaneh urged the authorities to address issues of peace, accountability, and good governance. Without decisive action, he warned, these foundations of democratic life could be eroded.
“As we approach the significant electoral calendar of 2026, it is important that we address issues of peace, progress, and accountability. These vital pillars of our society risk being lost if decisive actions are not taken now,” he warned.
He broadened his criticism to include the government’s handling of irregular migration, citing a recent boat tragedy off the coast of Jinack in which scores of young Gambians lost their lives. The incident, he said, was emblematic of deeper governance failures.
“The story of the Jinack tragedy that lost 190 young men and women is a haunting reminder of what happens when there’s a lack of accountability and effective leadership. Corruption is pervading our national institutions, drowning Gambia’s potential, fueling unemployment, and forcing our youths to resort to perilous pathways of irregular migration, he said.
Mr. Suwaneh called on the Independent Electoral Commission to assert its independence and ensure that future elections are conducted freely and fairly.
“To safeguard our future,” he said, “we need just and ethical leadership to govern our institutions, starting with the Independent Electoral Commission. Strong leadership is crucial to ensuring elections are conducted fairly, transparently, and honestly.”