Transparency Is Key to Earning Trust
When it comes to managing elections, the role of an election body goes far beyond just organizing the events and counting the votes. It’s also about building public trust in the electoral process. This trust isn’t something that can be demanded; it has to be earned through transparency, accountability, and a strict commitment to the law.
In The Gambia, the ongoing discussions about the alleged supplementary voter registration and the figure of 13,000 new voters have stirred up political tensions. This controversy has raised important questions that the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) needs to tackle with clear and verifiable information.
From former nominated National Assembly Member Hon. Ya Kumba Jaiteh to Dr. Lamin Manneh, the Deputy Administrative Secretary for External Affairs of the United Democratic Party (UDP), the call has been loud and clear: the supplementary voter register should be open for public review. Gambians have the right to know where and when these registrations occurred and how the numbers are spread across the country.
Roots Online Media (ROM) believes this demand is not only reasonable but also urgent and in line with the principles of electoral transparency. The IEC should step up and provide the necessary information to clarify the situation surrounding the reported registrations.
The Case for Immediate Disclosure
Section 15 of The Gambia’s Elections Act is often referenced in this discussion, as it outlines the need for displaying the voter register and allowing public inspection and objections. The IEC must ensure that its management of the supplementary register fully complies with these legal requirements.
A voter register is more than just an administrative tool; it’s a cornerstone of electoral credibility. Its accuracy directly impacts the legitimacy of elections and the confidence of political parties and voters alike.
There are some pretty strong reasons why the IEC needs to step up and take action without dragging its feet any longer.
To start with, transparency is the best way to tackle those pesky rumors.
The alleged figure of 13,000 new voters has raised quite a few eyebrows and sparked public concern. Without an official breakdown detailing where these registrations took place and how they’re spread out across different administrative areas and registration centers, speculation is bound to continue.
During election season, unanswered questions can quickly turn into political hot potatoes. Even if silence doesn’t imply any wrongdoing, it can fuel suspicion and create a breeding ground for misinformation.
The IEC shouldn’t leave the public to sift through conflicting claims when it has the authority and duty to provide clear information. By publishing verifiable data, political parties, journalists, civil society groups, and everyday citizens can scrutinize the numbers and voice any legitimate concerns through the proper channels.
It’s crucial that facts, not speculation, steer the public conversation about the voter register.
On another note, being open could help avoid unnecessary political tensions.
Dr. Manneh has cautioned that if the relevant information isn’t released, his party might resort to street protests. He’s also hinted that this controversy could jeopardize the election process.
These warnings highlight just how serious the situation is, even as political parties must ensure their reactions remain lawful and peaceful.
The Gambia simply can’t afford a political atmosphere where unresolved questions about electoral processes lead to confrontations. The fallout from political instability rarely affects just the leaders; ordinary citizens, traders, students, workers, and businesses often bear the brunt of disrupted lives, uncertainty, and economic setbacks.
The IEC has a chance to ease these tensions before they escalate. While timely disclosure might not settle every disagreement, it would certainly lay down a factual foundation for discussion.
Third, transparency is essential for safeguarding the credibility of the IEC itself.
As the body in charge of overseeing elections, the IEC needs to be perceived as operating fairly and in line with the law. Its credibility hinges not just on the integrity of its decisions but also on its readiness to explain them.
When there are unanswered questions about voter registration, the Commission risks becoming a target for various political accusations. By providing the necessary records, it can show that it has nothing to hide and is open to legitimate public scrutiny.
We strongly encourage the IEC to publish the total number of voters registered during the supplementary exercise, along with a breakdown by administrative area and registration center. Additionally, the supplementary register should be made available for inspection at its offices and through any other legal channels.
Where applicable, registered political parties should receive the final consolidated register in a timely manner, allowing them to review it and raise any objections as per the law.
These practical steps could go a long way in restoring confidence, enhancing accountability, and showcasing the Commission’s commitment to a credible electoral process.
Political Parties Must Respect the Law
While the IEC has a duty to provide clarity, political parties also need to act responsibly.
Concerns regarding voter registration should be addressed through lawful means, such as formal requests for information, objections to entries on the register, and court applications when necessary. Political parties should steer clear of statements or actions that might incite violence, spread unverified claims, or erode public confidence without solid evidence.
The right to peaceful assembly must be upheld, but any protests should remain peaceful and lawful. Likewise, any claims about the suspension or cancellation of an election must be firmly rooted in the Constitution and relevant electoral laws. No political party should take on powers that the law hasn’t granted them.
When it comes to electoral disputes, they need to be sorted out through the established institutions and procedures. This is crucial for maintaining democratic order and ensuring that disagreements don’t endanger the rights and safety of citizens.
The IEC should understand that public scrutiny isn’t a threat to its independence. In fact, transparency is one of the best ways to protect that independence. An institution that communicates openly and consistently is in a stronger position to withstand political pressure and earn public trust.
With The Gambia’s presidential election coming up on December 5, we can’t afford any unnecessary doubts. The credibility of the electoral process hinges on the confidence that citizens have in the institutions managing it.
The reported 13,000 supplementary registrations need to be clarified through official records, straightforward explanations, and procedures that allow for genuine public scrutiny. If those registrations were done correctly, being transparent about it will help prove that. If there are any mistakes or irregularities, the relevant authorities should handle them according to the law.
In any case, transparency is in the public’s best interest.
Roots Online Media urges the IEC to act swiftly, political parties to show restraint, and all stakeholders to safeguard the integrity of the electoral process. The democratic stability of the country is too vital to be put at risk by a dispute that timely disclosure and lawful scrutiny could resolve.
The Gambian people deserve an electoral process they can trust. That trust starts with access to reliable information and the chance to verify it
Let the IEC publish the supplementary register. Let Gambians examine it. Let the facts do the talking. Release the register without delay.