Africa-Press – Gambia. The Center for Civil Education has sharply criticized the Gambian government’s decision to begin issuing national identity cards to citizens in Mauritania, warning that the move may violate constitutional norms and undermine the credibility of the national electoral process.
In a statement, the civic organization described the policy as “a significant breach of democratic integrity,” arguing that it was implemented without parliamentary oversight or a clearly defined legal framework.
“As concerned stakeholders in the democratic integrity and sovereign legal framework of The Gambia, we strongly condemn the recent action undertaken by the Government of The Gambia-through the Gambia Immigration Department, in initiating the issuance of National Identity Cards (ID Cards) outside the territorial boundaries of the Republic of The Gambia,” the group said.
The Center emphasized that the issuance of national identification is a sovereign act governed by constitutional and legislative procedures. It cited Section 39 of the 1997 Constitution, which guarantees the right to vote to Gambians residing in the country who meet specific legal requirements.
While the group acknowledged provisions under the Elections Act that allow for the registration of Gambians in the diaspora, it said the current initiative lacks the transparency and legal backing necessary for such a significant expansion of the voter identification process.
“While provisions exist for the registration of diaspora citizens under the Elections Act. Thus, the current move to issue ID Cards abroad, especially without adequate parliamentary scrutiny or a clearly laid out legal framework, raises substantial constitutional concerns,” they said.
They stated that no official Gazette, legislative amendment, or public consultation has been disclosed concerning this development.
“In the absence of transparent legal procedure, this act may amount to executive overreach, undermining the rule of law and due process as enshrined in our constitutional democracy,” the statement noted.
The Center further raised concerns about the integrity of the ID card issuance process in foreign jurisdictions, questioning the safeguards in place to prevent abuse.
“What biometric and documentary verification procedures are in place? Which oversight institutions are monitoring this process to ensure its credibility and legality? How is the authenticity of supporting documents being verified across jurisdictions with varying record-keeping standards? Such a critical civic registration process, if done without proper safeguards, opens the floodgates for identity fraud, double registration, and manipulation of the national register,” they asked.
The timing of the initiative—amid heightened political tensions and ahead of a pivotal presidential election—has also drawn suspicion. The Center warned that the program could be perceived as a political maneuver aimed at expanding the electorate in favor of the incumbent or aligned political interests.
“The abrupt initiation of foreign ID card issuance suggests a possible political stratagem intended to expand the voter base in ways that could favor incumbents or specific political interests, according to some political parties. However, If not checked, this action may skew the electoral playing field and undermine the principle of equal suffrage. The potential use of this policy as an electoral manipulation tool cannot be overlooked, especially when viewed in light of past experiences where state machinery has been used to influence political outcomes.”
Calling for immediate transparency and legislative engagement, the Center concluded with a reminder to the government: “The government must be reminded that the electoral register is a sacred instrument of democracy and not a political asset to be reshaped at will.”
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