Africa-Press – Gambia. The Gambian government has dismissed claims that officials in Central River Region confiscated Nyangen village’s official stamp due to political affiliation.
In a statement issued on Thursday, the Ministry of Information clarified that the stamp was withdrawn after the village Alkalo, Alhagie Baboucar Mbye, admitted entrusting it to his son. The ministry said the action was intended to safeguard neutrality during the on-going supplementary voter registration process ahead of the December 5th, 2026 elections.
The statement further explained that an impartial custodian would be appointed to oversee the stamp while the matter is under review. “Official administrative instruments belong to the community and the State,” the ministry warned, adding that misuse of such instruments would carry legal consequences.
According to the communiqué, authorities received reports that the village stamp—an administrative tool used to certify residency and eligibility documents—may have been used in a manner inconsistent with its intended purpose.
Following the reports, the Governor of Central River Region convened a meeting with the Alkalo (village head), the District Seyfo (chief), senior Seyfolu, and the Deputy Governor to verify the claims.
During the meeting, the Alkalo confirmed that he had handed over the stamp to his son.
“Given the need to maintain public confidence and strict administrative neutrality during the registration period, the stamp has been temporarily withdrawn and placed under secure custody,” the Ministry of Information, Media and Broadcasting Services said in the statement.
The government added that consultations were on-going between the District Seyfo and village elders to appoint an appropriate and impartial custodian of the stamp while the matter remains under review.
Meanwhile, earlier on, the UNITE Movement for Change had alleged that the stamp was seized because the Alkalo’s son, Mbye Nyan, is a member of the opposition movement. UNITE described the action as “a dangerous abuse of authority and a direct threat to the integrity of our democratic process.”
According to UNITE’s statement, the stamp of the Alkalo is essential for attestations required by residents to register to vote and access other official services. The movement expressed concerns that the seizure could hinder eligible citizens from participating in the electoral process.
UNITE’s statement called for the unconditional return of the stamp, restoration of attestation services for residents, a transparent investigation into the actions of Governor Ousman Bah, and clear legal clarification on the limits of gubernatorial authority.
The government, however, maintains that the withdrawal of the stamp was a neutral administrative measure and not politically motivated. It emphasized that all actions were aimed at maintaining the integrity of voter registration and ensuring impartiality in the electoral process.
The Ministry of Information’s response comes amid heightened political sensitivity as the country prepares for the supplementary registration period leading up to national elections.
Officials confirmed that while the stamp remains in custody, arrangements have been made to prevent any disruption to voter registration in Nyangen.
The government’s position reiterates that administrative instruments like the Alkalo’s stamp are State property, and their proper management is critical to upholding lawful and impartial governance at the community level.
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