Leader of the Gambia Democratic Congress (GDC), has alleged that foreigners were registered during the recent supplementary voter registration exercise and has called on the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) to conduct a full investigation into the claims.
Speaking at a political meeting in Kitty, Kandeh claimed he possesses audio recordings allegedly linking individuals associated with the ruling National People’s Party (NPP) to the registration of non-Gambians.
According to Kandeh, the recordings originated from a Sarahulle “Sunikara” group, which he referred to as “Sunikara NPP,” where participants were allegedly discussing the transportation and registration of foreigners.
The GDC leader claimed the recordings suggest that 3,343 foreigners were registered across 18 communities during the exercise.
He listed the affected communities as Old Yundum, New Yundum, Latriya, Jabang, Tawuto, Bakoteh, Kanifing, Kanifing Layout, Pipeline, Jambur, Bakau Newtown, Fajara Hotel, Fajara Sabina, Sukuta Junctionba, Brusubi, Farato, Busumbala and Makumbaya.
Kandeh said he had submitted the audio recordings to the Vice Chairman of the IEC and called on the electoral body to investigate the allegations impartially. “I am urging the IEC to ensure fair play among all political parties ahead of the elections.
I have submitted the audio recordings to the Vice Chairman of the IEC. In those recordings, individuals are heard discussing payments made to facilitate the transportation and registration of foreigners,” Kandeh said.
He further alleged that individuals mentioned in the recordings, including a man identified as Hagie Baniko, complained about payments received for their involvement, claiming they had made several trips but were paid only D200.
Kandeh also expressed concern over what he described as the involvement of local authorities in the attestation process, arguing that the use of alkalolu and chiefs could make it more difficult to identify non-Gambians seeking registration.
The opposition leader additionally raised questions about a voter’s card circulating on social media, which he said bears the year 2025 despite no voter registration exercise being conducted that year.
According to Kandeh, the card reportedly carries the initials “GMB” instead of a registration number, indicates it was issued in Sandu at 6:34pm, and bears the signature of the current IEC Chairman.
He questioned the authenticity of the document, noting that IEC registration activities typically end by 6:00pm.
“I am calling on the IEC to come forward and provide clarity to the public regarding this voter’s card,” Kandeh said. At the time of publication, the IEC had not publicly responded to the allegations.
The claims have not been independently verified, and neither the IEC nor the NPP had issued an official response at the time the allegations were made.
