Prominent lawyer and politician Essa Mbye Faal has called on the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) to conduct a comprehensive nationwide voter registration ahead of The Gambia’s 2026 presidential elections.
Speaking at the launch of the IEC’s 2026–2027 Electoral Calendar, Faal—leader of the APP–Sobeyaa party—stressed that the credibility of the election depends on a clean and trustworthy voter register. He cautioned that any doubts about the accuracy of the current register could undermine public confidence in the entire democratic process.
> “The foundation of any credible election is the integrity of the voter register,” Faal said. “If people begin to question it, the legitimacy of the entire electoral process will be at risk.”
Faal urged the IEC to act proactively and transparently, rather than wait for political pressure, emphasizing that inclusive registration is key to ensuring every eligible Gambian’s right to vote.
His remarks echo growing public concern from political parties and civil society groups about alleged irregularities in the current voter roll, including duplicate names and unverified identities.
While the IEC’s electoral roadmap highlights key milestones—such as nomination and campaign periods—it remains unclear whether a new, full-scale voter registration will be conducted before the 2026 polls.
