The leader of Gambia's Economic Freedom Fighters, Prince Ebrima Sanyang, has withdrawn from the country's presidential race, citing concerns over the credibility of the Independent Electoral Commission. Sanyang, an independent presidential aspirant, announced his decision at a press briefing in Kairaba Beach Hotel on November 11. He claimed that the IEC failed to verify his voter registration details despite his assertions that he registered and received a voter card in 2016 and 2021.
Sanyang explained that he visited the IEC regional office in Brikama on November 7 to apply for a replacement voter card but officials could not find his particulars. He was then referred to the Commission's headquarters in Kanifing, where further searches yielded the same result. His lawyers wrote to the IEC Chairman on November 10, requesting an urgent investigation into his registration record. However, with the matter unresolved, Sanyang decided against submitting his nomination papers.
During the press briefing, Sanyang expressed doubts about the IEC's ability to organize credible elections. He questioned how the Commission could safeguard the electoral process if it could not verify the registration details of a presidential aspirant. Sanyang also wondered if the incident was an isolated failure or reflected wider weaknesses in the voter registration system.
Sanyang called on the IEC to investigate the matter, undertake an independent audit of the voter register, and explain what happened to his registration record. He urged Gambians to verify their registration details, citing Section 39 of the Constitution, which guarantees eligible citizens aged 18 and above the right to register and vote.
Despite withdrawing from the presidential race, Sanyang stated that he had not withdrawn from the wider 2026 electoral process. He disclosed that discussions with opposition stakeholders to form a National Unity Coalition were at an advanced stage and could be formalized soon.
Sanyang's decision follows a series of developments in Gambia's electoral process. Other presidential aspirants, including Isatou Touray, Talib Bensouda, and Dr. Touray, have been cleared to contest the December 5 presidential election. The Team Gambia Coalition has also named Lamin J. Darboe as its flagbearer.
Sanyang's lawyers will pursue available legal avenues to establish what happened to his voter registration record and seek accountability. The incident has raised concerns about the integrity of Gambia's electoral process and the IEC's ability to manage voter registration.
Key points
- The EFF leader's withdrawal from the presidential race highlights concerns over the IEC's credibility and the need for electoral reforms in Gambia.
