Lamin J.K. Sanneh Questions IEC’s Election Readiness Ahead of 2026 Vote

Lamin J.K. Sanneh, a United Democratic Party official, has challenged the Independent Electoral Commission’s handling of preparations for Gambia’s 2026 presidential election, arguing that gaps in the publication of voter figures could weaken confidence in the process. Speaking to West Coast Radio, Sanneh questioned why the IEC had not released the complete voter registration figures before political parties began submitting nominations. He said the commission had previously indicated that the figures would be made public after the revision court process, which he said concluded the week before the interview. “Why is it that the complete voter registration was not published by the time we were going for nominations?” he asked, according to the report. The question, he suggested, reflected broader concerns about whether the election authorities were providing parties and the public with timely information. Sanneh also objected to an IEC letter allowing voters who had lost their cards to apply for replacements during the nomination period. He argued that the matter should have been dealt with during supplementary voter registration, rather than being addressed at this stage of the election calendar. He further raised questions about the commission’s independence, alleging that IEC officials had made frequent visits to State House at night. Sanneh said the UDP had information about these visits but did not provide details in the interview. His claim was presented as an allegation, not as an independently verified finding. The UDP official said public trust depends on protecting independent institutions from executive interference. He argued that rebuilding confidence in democratic governance requires stronger institutions and greater accountability, particularly from the bodies responsible for overseeing elections. The report did not include a response from the IEC to Sanneh’s criticism.