Rebuttal to the UDP West Coast Region Chairman

By Yaya Dampha, NPP Diaspora Coordinator – Sweden

The statement coming from the United Democratic Party (UDP) West Coast Region Chairman is nothing more than a desperate attempt to manufacture fear and suspicion ahead of the December elections. What we are witnessing is a classic political strategy: when a party begins to sense the possibility of defeat, it starts laying the groundwork to question the credibility of the very democratic processes it once benefited from.

First and foremost, it is important to remind the Gambian public that since 2017, the political environment in The Gambia has become more open, tolerant, and accommodating than at any other time in our history. Opposition parties, including the UDP, operate freely across the country. They hold rallies, organise meetings, and campaign openly without the intimidation and repression that once defined our political landscape. Security forces now provide protection to all political parties equally during campaigns and public gatherings. Therefore, the suggestion that the electoral playing field is somehow tilted against the opposition is simply not supported by the facts.

Secondly, the UDP’s sudden concern about “inflammatory speech” is deeply ironic. Anyone who follows Gambian politics knows that UDP supporters and activists are among the most aggressive voices on social media and political platforms. Daily insults directed at political opponents and even their parents have become a regrettable norm in some of their online spaces. In many cases, their supporters have even been involved in physical confrontations with political opponents on the streets. For such a party to now pretend to be the guardian of civil political discourse is nothing short of a mockery.

Thirdly, the voter registration process in The Gambia is governed by clear legal procedures under the electoral laws. If anyone believes that a particular individual has fraudulently obtained a voter’s card, the law provides a clear and legitimate path: raise the objection at the revising court and present evidence. The burden of proof lies with the accuser. It is not enough to stand outside registration centres and intimidate citizens by labeling them “foreigners” without evidence. Such behaviour undermines the rights and dignity of Gambian citizens and only creates unnecessary tension in communities.

Furthermore, the Gambian electoral system remains one of the most transparent in the region. From the campaign period to the actual voting process, counting of ballots, and announcement of results, every stage is monitored by party agents representing all contesting political parties. National and international observers are also present to ensure credibility and transparency. In fact, by the time the Independent Electoral Commission announces the final results, every political party already knows the outcome from each polling station through their own agents.

With the introduction of spot counting at polling stations, the process has become even more transparent. Results are counted openly in the presence of party agents, observers, and members of the public immediately after voting. This makes it virtually impossible to manipulate the outcome without detection.

What the UDP leadership should be doing at this stage is preparing their policies and programmes to convince Gambian voters—not attempting to cast doubt on institutions simply because they fear electoral rejection. Democracy requires maturity, responsibility, and respect for institutions.

The Gambian people are politically aware and capable of making their own choices. No amount of political alarmism will change that reality.

Instead of spreading mistrust, all political actors should focus on promoting peace, respect, and issue-based campaigning. The December elections will ultimately be decided by the will of the Gambian people, and that will must be respected by all.

Fear of defeat should never become an excuse to undermine the credibility of our democratic institutions.