NATIONAL DEVELOPMENT ASSOCIATION (NDA)
Motto: “Progress Through Accountability”
Secretariat: Kairaba Avenue, KMC, The Gambia
Email: profmballow1@gmail.com
Tel: +220 3832552
Ref: NDA/IEC/VR/19/26
Date: 19 April 2026.
The Chairman
Independent Electoral Commission (IEC)
Elections House, Kanifing
The Gambia
FORMAL PETITION FOR URGENT REVIEW AND RECTIFICATION OF ALLEGED VOTER REGISTRATION IRREGULARITIES AHEAD OF THE 2026 PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION
Dear Honourable Chairman,
The National Development Association (NDA), a civil society organization committed to democratic consolidation, hereby submits this formal petition to the Independent Electoral Commission pursuant to Section 43 of the 1997 Constitution and Sections 12 and 13 of the Elections Act, Cap 3:01.
Over the past weeks, NDA has received and documented complaints from citizens, party agents, and accredited observers in CRR North, URR, LRR, and parts of WCR regarding the ongoing voter registration and register maintenance exercise.
The allegations, while not yet judicially tested, are consistent and widespread enough to warrant formal institutional attention. They include:
Suspected multiple registration– Instances where individuals are alleged to hold more than one valid voter’s card across different constituencies.
Registration of minors – Reports of persons appearing below the constitutional age of 18 being captured during mobile registration.
Restricted observer access – Claims that accredited agents were denied adequate opportunity to scrutinize the process at certain registration centers, contrary to Section 12(3) of the Elections Act.
NDA emphasizes that these remain allegations. However, in electoral administration, persistent public doubt is itself a threat to credibility that must be addressed proactively.
This petition is grounded on:
Section 43(1) of the 1997 Constitution – mandating the IEC to conduct free and fair elections.
Section 13 of the Elections Act – providing for inspection and objection to the provisional register.
AU Charter on Democracy, Elections and Governance, Art. 17 – requiring transparent voter registration processes.
In view of the above, and in the interest of safeguarding the integrity of the 2026 Presidential Election, the National Development Association respectfully prays that the IEC:
Publish a technical report within 21 days detailing: The total number of duplicates detected and expunged by the AFIS/biometric system; Number of cases of suspected underage registration flagged and actions taken; Disaggregated data by region and registration center.
Extend the period for public inspection of the provisional register from 21 to 45 days and conduct targeted civic education in regions with highest complaints to facilitate citizen-led objections under Section 13 of the Elections Act.
Convene a Joint Technical Review Session with accredited political parties and two civil society representatives, including NDA, to observe a sample audit of the register under a non-disclosure agreement, in line with international best practice.
Issue a public statement clarifying sanctions for multiple registration and update the public on any cases referred to The Gambia Police Force for prosecution.
Deploy senior IEC Commissioners on regional clarification missions to URR, CRR, and LRR before final certification of the register to hear concerns and explain safeguards firsthand.
The NDA believes that the credibility of the 2026 election will be determined by actions taken now, not by declarations made after polling day. Addressing these matters transparently will strengthen public confidence, reduce post-election litigation, and affirm The Gambia’s reputation for peaceful democratic transition.
We trust that the Commission, as the impartial arbiter of our democracy, will treat this petition with the urgency and seriousness it deserves. The NDA remains available to support civic education and observation efforts in partnership with the IEC.
We look forward to your written response within fourteen (14) days of receipt of this petition.
Yours in the service of democracy,
Professor Mballow
Chairman,
National Development Association (NDA)
CC:
1.Office of the Chief Justice, Judiciary of The Gambia.
2.Speaker, National Assembly.
3.Chairperson, CSO Coalition on Elections.
4.Resident Representative, UNDP The Gambia.
5.All Registered Political Parties