The Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) Chairman, Joseph Colley, has issued a stern warning against double registration as the country commences its supplementary voter enrollment ahead of the December 2026 presidential election.
Speaking on Thursday, 23 April 2026, at the 2nd Multi-Stakeholder Forum at the Sir Dawda Kairaba Jawara International Conference Centre, Colley emphasised the commission’s zero-tolerance policy for electoral fraud.
“Any attempt at double registration will not be tolerated and will be met with the full force of the law,” Colley said, underscoring the importance of maintaining the integrity of the electoral roll.
He stressed that despite the Commission’s extensive voter education and sensitisation campaigns, more than 2,000 individuals have attempted to register a second time.
“Double registration is against the laws of the country that applicants have to adhere to,” he added.
The supplementary registration exercise, which began on April 8 and will continue for 44 days until May 21, is targeted at newly eligible voters, including those who have recently turned 18 and citizens who were previously unable to register.
Colley urged all qualified Gambians to take part in the process, stressing that inclusive voter participation is essential to a credible election.
The IEC chairman reiterated the commission’s commitment to transparency and fairness, noting that robust verification mechanisms have been put in place to detect and prevent double registrations.
He called for cooperation from political parties, civil society, and the media to support public awareness and ensure the registration drive runs smoothly.
The supplementary voter registration comes as the country gears up for a pivotal presidential election in December. IEC officials maintain that the expanded registration is critical to ensuring that every eligible citizen is able to cast a ballot in the upcoming polls
