Gambiaj.com – (BANJUL, The Gambia) – A fresh political row has erupted between the ruling National People’s Party (NPP) and the opposition United Democratic Party (UDP) after nominated National Assembly Member Hon. Maimuna Ceesay Darboe made explosive claims alleging past electoral malpractice by her former party, remarks that appear to have struck a nerve within UDP ranks.
Speaking at an NPP rally in Kiang Giffarong, Hon. Ceesay alleged that during her time with the UDP, party members engaged in the systematic importation of foreigners from neighboring countries, including Guinea-Bissau and Senegal’s Casamance region, to register and vote in Gambian elections.
“We were all in UDP before… we know how we used to bring foreigners into the country to vote when all of us were together those days,” she declared.
The remarks, touching on the highly sensitive issue of voter integrity, have quickly gained traction in the political space, especially amid longstanding suspicions and public debate over the credibility of voter registration processes in The Gambia.
UDP Pushes Back, Cites Contradictions
The UDP has not directly addressed the substance of the allegations but responded with a strongly worded statement accusing the NPP of peddling inconsistent and divisive narratives.
Signed by the party’s Administrative Secretary for Media and Communications, Saikou Camara, the statement argued that Hon. Ceesay’s claims contradict earlier accusations by NPP figures who had portrayed the UDP as anti-foreigner and tribalistic.
The party referenced remarks previously made by the late Dembo “By Force,” a former NPP National President, who had alleged that UDP leader Ousainu Darboe would expel non-Mandinkas if elected, claims that were widely circulated during past campaign periods.
“Gambia, the contradiction is clear. When one narrative fails, it is replaced with another,” the UDP statement read, framing the latest allegations as part of a broader pattern of politically motivated rhetoric.
Rather than engaging directly with the claims of electoral malpractice, the UDP pivoted to a message centered on national unity, warning that such accusations risk deepening ethnic and political divisions at a time when cohesion is critical.
Allegations Strike at Core of Electoral Trust
Hon. Ceesay’s remarks have nonetheless placed the UDP under pressure, particularly because they come from a former insider. Her claims revive long-running concerns about cross-border voter participation, an issue that has periodically surfaced in Gambian politics but rarely with such direct attribution.
While no independent evidence has been presented to substantiate the allegations, their specificity and the context in which they were made have intensified scrutiny, potentially forcing the UDP to confront questions around past electoral conduct more directly.
Mixed Reactions, Including Within Political Circles
The controversy has also drawn reactions beyond party lines. Banjul City Mayor Rohey Malick Lowe criticized the tone and approach of Hon. Ceesay’s remarks, calling for greater responsibility and dignity in political discourse, particularly from women leaders.
In a strongly worded statement, Lowe expressed disappointment that such a high-profile platform was used to make inflammatory claims rather than address pressing national issues affecting women and vulnerable groups.
“We can disagree without being destructive,” she stated, urging politicians to avoid rhetoric that could undermine social cohesion and discourage young women from engaging in politics.
Broader Political Implications
The unfolding exchange highlights the increasingly contentious nature of political messaging ahead of future electoral cycles, with voter registration integrity emerging once again as a potential flashpoint.
While the UDP has sought to deflect the allegations by questioning the NPP’s consistency, Hon. Ceesay’s comments appear to have “gone under the skin” of the opposition, forcing a rapid and defensive response that underscores the sensitivity of the issue.
As of press time, there has been no indication of any formal investigation into the claims. However, the episode has reignited debate over electoral safeguards and accountability, issues likely to remain central in The Gambia’s evolving democratic landscape.
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