UDP’s Lamin Manneh Says Revising Court Likely to Face Heavy Caseload Over Voter Roll Challenges

Lamin Manneh, Deputy Administrative Secretary for External Affairs of the United Democratic Party

By Makutu Manneh

Lamin Manneh, deputy administrative secretary for external affairs of the United Democratic Party (UDP), said the revising court is expected to face a significant workload as the party prepares to challenge what it describes as widespread irregularities in the ongoing supplementary voter registration exercise.

Speaking on a civic education program hosted by Kerr Fatou, Mr. Manneh said the UDP has deployed agents across registration centers to document suspected cases, including allegations involving underage registrants and non-citizens.

“We have our agents on the ground to document every single case where they believe a registrant may be a minor or a non-citizen, and we will take those cases to the revising court,” he said, adding that the volume of petitions could extend the court’s sittings.

Mr. Manneh said the party views legal challenges as a necessary step to address what it considers persistent electoral malpractice. He noted that the UDP has reached an understanding with the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) that would allow party agents access to registrants’ details through registration officials—an arrangement he welcomed while noting it aligns with existing legal provisions.

He added that opposition parties could coordinate their efforts, potentially pursuing joint legal action over alleged irregularities, which he said are undermining electoral integrity.

Mr. Manneh also accused the ruling National People’s Party (NPP) of enabling electoral fraud, though he did not provide specific evidence during the interview.

“We have electoral fraud on steroids, which is growing massively in this country at the behest of NPP,” he said.

In his remarks, he cautioned local authorities, including Alikalolu and Seyfolu, against facilitating what he described as nationality or voter fraud, warning that such actions carry legal consequences.

“All these are punishable under the law,” he said, urging officials to ensure that attestations of citizenship and age are accurate. “Those who knowingly provide false information will be held accountable in court.”

Mr. Manneh emphasized the importance of accountability, arguing that safeguarding democratic institutions ultimately depends on citizens’ vigilance and adherence to the rule of law.