Africa-Press – Gambia. Hundreds of Gambians, notably members of the United Democratic Party (UDP) youth wing, on Saturday, August 23, 2025, gathered outside the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC)’s headquarters in Old Jeshwang, demanding the government to suspend the issuance of national identity cards to Gambians in the diaspora.
The protesters expressed frustration that the government had prioritized issuing IDs abroad while many Gambians at home continue to face difficulties obtaining the same document.
In May 2025, the government began rolling out ID card issuance for Gambians in countries such as Gabon and Mauritania. However, the decision has sparked outrage among citizens and opposition groups, who see it as an attempt to tilt the political playing field ahead of the upcoming elections.
The protest, which started around 11:00 a.m, drew hundreds of UDP supporters and other citizens, who later submitted a petition to the IEC chairman.
Agie Yam Secka, UDP deputy chairperson, called for transparency, accusing the government of employing tactics to undermine electoral integrity. “We want to remind Adama Barrow that we demand full transparency and due process if elections are concerned. We will not accept a manipulated election under our watch,” she declared.
Hon. Muhammed Lamin Bah, National Assembly Member for Banjul North, echoed the criticism, describing the policy as misplaced. “I am convinced Gambians in the diaspora are more in need of passports than ID cards,” he said. “Considering that elections are approaching, everyone has reason to be sceptical of this move,” he added.
The NPP-led government won by a landmark margin in the 2021 presidential election. However, the latest decision has fuelled opposition claims of potential electoral malpractice and heightened suspicion over the government’s political motives.
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