United Democratic Party (UDP) leader and Gambia First Coalition presidential candidate Lawyer Ousainu Darboe has rejected suggestions that his party is attempting to discredit the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) over discrepancies it says it has identified in the 2026 supplementary voter registration figures.
Mr. Darboe said the party was seeking clear answers about approximately 14,000 disputed voter registration figures, insisting that its concerns were aimed at promoting transparency and accountability rather than creating confusion about the electoral process.
Speaking in an interview with Eye Africa, the veteran opposition leader maintained that questions about the voter register were legitimate and should not be interpreted as an attempt to undermine public confidence in the electoral commission.
He said the integrity of the voter register was a national concern that went beyond political party interests, arguing that all parties and Gambians stood to benefit from an accurate and credible electoral roll.
Mr. Darboe said the IEC had responded to the UDP’s inquiries but had not adequately addressed the specific questions the party raised about the disputed figures.
Despite the concerns, he stressed that the UDP was not accusing the commission of misconduct and reaffirmed his confidence in the IEC and other national institutions.
He maintained that seeking clarification on electoral matters was part of ensuring accountability, particularly as political parties prepare for the December 5 presidential election.
On whether the party would organise a peaceful demonstration over the matter, Mr. Darboe said the option remained open, although the approaching election could make such action less likely.
“Certainly, it is a possibility, but it could be an improbability because elections are fast approaching,” he said.
The UDP leader also left open the possibility of taking the dispute to court but said the party would first seek legal advice before deciding on its next move.
“It’s a possibility, but we are not saying that we are going to court. We have to get advice from our lawyers,” he said.
He said party has not announced any formal decision to stage a protest or initiate legal proceedings against the IEC.