Gambiaj.com – (BANJUL, The Gambia) – The government of The Gambia says it has taken administrative measures to safeguard the integrity of the ongoing voter registration exercise in Nyagen Village in the Central River Region following reports of possible misuse of an official village stamp used to certify residency and eligibility documents.
In a statement issued on Thursday, the Ministry of Information, Media and Broadcasting Services said the matter came to the attention of authorities after concerns emerged that the administrative stamp may have been used in a way inconsistent with its intended purpose.
The ministry said the governor of the Central River Region convened a meeting with the Alkalo of Nyagen Village, the district Seyfo, senior Seyfolu, and the deputy governor to establish the facts surrounding the issue.
During the meeting, the Alkalo reportedly confirmed that he had entrusted the village stamp to his son.
Authorities subsequently decided to temporarily withdraw the stamp and place it under secure custody in order to maintain public confidence and ensure strict administrative neutrality during the voter registration period.
According to the government, the district Seyfo and village elders are now consulting on appointing an appropriate and impartial custodian to oversee the stamp while the matter remains under review.
The government emphasized that official administrative instruments belong to the community and the state and must only be used for their lawful administrative functions.
“No individual, regardless of position or affiliation, may use them for purposes other than their lawful administrative function,” the statement said, adding that the law would be applied without exception if misuse is established.
Authorities also reaffirmed their commitment to ensuring that the voter registration process remains free, fair, and credible, stressing that every eligible Gambian deserves a system they can trust.
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