Gambiaj.com – (BANJUL, The Gambia) – The newly sworn Chairman of The Gambia’s Independent Electoral Commission (IEC), Joseph Colley, has pledged sweeping reforms aimed at strengthening public confidence in the country’s electoral system, expanding voter access for all Gambians, and making the Commission more transparent and accountable.
Speaking in his first media appearance on Coffee Time with Peter Gomez after more than two decades of service within the IEC, Colley said his leadership will be defined by “inclusivity and participation” as the Commission prepares for a busy electoral cycle culminating in the 2026 presidential election.
“Power derives from the people. We are only managers of the process,” he said. “Our approach will be consultative. We want all stakeholders—political parties, civil society, the media, the judiciary, and the public—to validate our electoral calendar and strategic plans so that everyone takes ownership.”
Strengthening Public Trust After 2021 Disputes, Faster and More Transparent Results
Colley acknowledged lingering doubts about the 2021 voter register but stressed that the IEC had followed the law. “The register was published, objections could be filed, revising courts were held, and magistrates signed off. People who are now questioning it had the chance to challenge entries and didn’t,” he explained.
He added that the IEC cannot disqualify registrants who present valid government documents, because amendments to the Elections Act in 2001 removed that power.
“We operate strictly within the law. We can’t invent procedures that aren’t there,” he said, while signaling support for future legal reforms to close gaps in voter registration rules.
To curb delays and suspicion over vote counting, the IEC is restructuring regional operations and introducing real-time result displays. “We’ve split large regions like Central River into smaller operational zones and are opening new offices in Wasu and Sibanor,” Colley said.
He revealed plans to deploy projectors at collation centres to display results as they are entered into computers, and to set up a media centre outside IEC headquarters to provide frequent updates. “People should not think we’re doing anything in the dark. These innovations are about openness,” he said.
Marbles Versus Ballots and Inclusivity
On the long-running debate over whether The Gambia should abandon its signature marble-in-drum voting system for paper ballots, Colley struck a cautious tone. “We are guided by law and by stakeholder consensus. Any change to the voting method must come through consultation and legal amendment, not by unilateral decision,” he said.
Colley highlighted the creation of a gender and disability unit within the IEC—supported by UNDP and other partners—as a milestone in making elections accessible. The Commission is planning ramps in regional offices, sign language interpretation at meetings, and a gender policy for elections.
He also promised to bring registration and outreach closer to remote communities and to engage young first-time voters through social media, concerts, and school visits. “We know young people’s interests and where they spend their time,” he said. “We’ll meet them there—with information, not just slogans.”
Financial Transparency and Independence
Addressing concerns about political interference, Colley stressed that the IEC has started submitting its budget directly to the presidency, as stipulated in the Constitution, rather than to the Ministry of Finance.
“The President can only make suggestions before the National Assembly approves our budget. We are following the law to the letter to safeguard our independence,” he said.
The Chairman concluded that the Commission’s success will depend on open collaboration with political parties, civil society, and development partners. “If everyone does their part, the work becomes lighter, and the public can trust the system,” he said.
