The Elections Bill is yet to be law and none of its clauses should be made reference to in talking about electoral matters. The Elections Act is still the law of the land.
The Constitution is very clear and the continuous registration of voters should be introduced as quickly as possible if the spirit and letter of the Constitution is to be adhered to. Section 39 categorically states:
“Every citizen of The Gambia being eighteen years or older and of sound mind shall have the right to vote for the purpose of elections of a President and members of the National Assembly, and shall be entitled to be registered as a voter in a National Assembly constituency for that purpose.”
Hence the right to vote and the right to be registered as a voter must be respected. A national census took place in The Gambia in 2024. All those people, who are 18 and above have the right to vote and to be registered as voters. The IEC is in transition and the Commission should meet soonest to demand their legal counsel to advise them on the issue of registration of voters at home and abroad as the law now stands. Sooner or later Gambians who are 18 and above and are excluded from registration may have to file a case to ensure their registration.
Their right to vote is guaranteed under section 26 of the Constitution and should not be violated. That is the verdict of law and common sense and is incontrovertible.
