Gambiaj.com – (BANJUL, The Gambia) – The Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) has drawn a firm line on political participation, declaring that it does not recognize or register political movements under Gambian law.
Speaking at the Commission’s second monthly Stakeholders Forum, IEC Chairman Joseph Colley made it unequivocal: only duly registered political parties fall within the Commission’s mandate.
“Our mandate is clear,” Colley said. “The IEC does not register political movements.”
He explained that while organizations can legally exist under frameworks such as NGO or association registration with the Attorney General’s Chambers, such status does not translate into recognition as a political party.
Colley stressed that the distinction carries real consequences. Only parties formally registered with the IEC can field candidates, access regulated state media airtime, and benefit from protections guaranteed under electoral law.
He issued a blunt warning to groups operating in the grey zone: engaging in party-like activities without registration, such as holding congresses, nominating candidates, or raising election funds, amounts to a breach of the law.
The Commission, he added, is stepping up oversight in collaboration with the Inter-Party Committee and law enforcement, with penalties ranging from public notices to legal action.
“We are committed to a level playing field and the integrity of the electoral system,” Colley said.
He also underscored the need for strict compliance across the board, noting that all registered parties must adhere to financial disclosure rules and codes of conduct.
The IEC’s position comes amid heightened political mobilization ahead of upcoming electoral processes, with the Commission urging all actors to operate squarely within the law.
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