Gambiaj.com – (BANJUL, The Gambia) – The United Democratic Party (UDP) has called on The Gambia’s Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) to enforce the country’s electoral laws and impose sanctions on the ruling National People’s Party (NPP) for repeatedly failing to meet its legal obligations. The UDP accuses the IEC of leniency and failing to act impartially in its oversight role.

In a press release issued by the UDP Media Team, the party highlights that the NPP has once again violated the 2015 Elections Amendment Act, which mandates all registered political parties to hold a congress at least once every two years. Despite being granted an extension by the IEC after missing the initial deadline following its registration in 2019, the NPP has now failed to meet the extended deadline of December 31, 2024, prompting concerns about the IEC’s handling of the situation.

IEC’s Approach to Enforcement Questioned

The UDP expressed dismay over comments made by the IEC’s Communications Director in an interview with The Standard newspaper. The Director stated, “Even though these are laws, we prefer to do engagements because it is more practicable than sanctions. The sanction is too harsh.”

Criticizing this stance, the UDP argued that the IEC’s role as the nation’s electoral referee requires impartial enforcement of laws rather than negotiated compliance. “Why would one’s preference supersede the sanctions laid out by law after they have been violated?” the UDP asked, describing the IEC’s approach as a failure to uphold the rule of law.

Demands for Transparency and Accountability

The UDP press release emphasized that the IEC’s actions, or lack thereof, undermine public confidence in its independence and impartiality. It called for the IEC to clarify the reasons behind granting the NPP a second extension and to disclose whether the party’s request met the legal criteria. The UDP further demanded that the IEC provide a specific deadline for the NPP to fulfill its obligations.

“The public is owed that much when laws are violated,” the UDP stated. “It is telling that the referee who confirms a violation would declare through its Communications Director that the sanctions recommended by law are ‘too harsh,’ effectively disregarding the law and shielding violators.”

The UDP linked the NPP’s repeated violations to a broader pattern of disregard for the rule of law by the ruling party and its government. It noted that similar concerns have been raised by citizens who recently filed a case before the Supreme Court accusing the government of failing to meet constitutional deadlines for presenting the national budget.

“This constant disregard for provisions of the law by the NPP and the government it constitutes is a violation of the tenets of the rule of law, and the IEC must not be seen to be complicit in that act by failing to enforce the law,” the press release added.

Calls for Swift Action

The UDP concluded its statement by urging the IEC to enforce the law without favoritism and to hold all political parties accountable to the same standards. It warned that failure to do so risks eroding public trust in the electoral process and the country’s democratic institutions.

As of now, the IEC has not issued a formal response to the UDP’s demands or provided further clarification on the NPP’s compliance status. The public awaits a detailed explanation from the electoral body regarding its decision-making process and the steps it plans to take to ensure adherence to electoral laws.