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OPINION
By Kebba Lamin Nanko
I wish to express my deep and growing concern regarding the increasing trend of unregistered movements that identify themselves as political parties, engaging in political activities without complying with the legal requirements that govern political participation in our country.
The establishment of the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) was not accidental—it is a constitutional safeguard designed to regulate, supervise, and ensure order in the political space. One of its core mandates is the registration of political parties in accordance with clearly defined legal standards. This process is not merely administrative; it is fundamental to ensuring accountability, transparency, and fairness within our democratic system.
It is therefore both troubling and concerning that certain movements, which are not duly registered as political parties, are being allowed to operate as registered political parties. More concerning is that they are allowed to openly identify themselves, without ambiguity, as political movements—effectively competing and engaging on equal footing with duly registered political parties. This blurs the line between legally recognized entities and unregulated actors, creating confusion in the political space and undermining the credibility of the established legal and electoral framework.
In practical terms, what we are increasingly witnessing is the emergence of groups that function in every respect like political parties. They establish offices across regions, appoint youth and women’s coordinators, organize frequent rallies, display party-like symbols and paraphernalia, and actively mobilize citizens. In some cases, they even collect funds and make political promises to the public. Yet, when questioned about their legal status, they are not registered with the IEC as political parties.
This raises a serious concern of fairness and accountability. Registered political parties are required to comply with strict legal procedures, submit documentation, disclose membership structures, open themselves to scrutiny, adhere to the Inter-Party Committee Code of Conduct, and operate within clearly defined regulatory boundaries. These obligations are not optional—they are the price of lawful political participation. It is therefore fundamentally unfair for other groups to enjoy similar political benefits and influence without meeting these same requirements.
Registered political parties are subject to electoral laws and strict regulatory oversight, which ensures accountability and discipline in the political space. However, if movements or organizations are neither registered as political parties nor formally recognized under any legal framework, it raises a critical question: which laws are governing their activities? This legal ambiguity creates a gap in accountability and risks allowing political actors to operate outside the very rules designed to protect the integrity of our democracy.
If movements are permitted to function in the same manner as registered political parties, it raises a legitimate concern that there may be little or no incentive for any Gambian to undergo the formal process of political party registration. In effect, it encourages a parallel political space where actors enjoy the benefits of political participation without the responsibilities that come with legal recognition.
Furthermore, this situation risks creating confusion among citizens and undermining political order. If left unchecked, it could lead to a proliferation of unregulated groups all presenting themselves as political actors, making it difficult for citizens to distinguish between legally recognized parties and informal movements. This would weaken institutional control and could eventually turn the political space into an unregulated arena lacking clear rules.
It is important to emphasize that any movement or organization is required, under the law, to be properly registered with the Office of the Attorney General and to operate strictly within the scope of its approved mandate.
If this situation is left unaddressed, it risks eroding public confidence in our institutions, weakening the authority of the IEC, and setting a dangerous precedent where laws are selectively applied. A democracy cannot thrive where compliance is optional for some and mandatory for others.
In light of these concerns, I therefore call on the Independent Electoral Commission, as well as all relevant political stakeholders, to urgently and decisively review this matter. This is not a call for selective enforcement, but for the consistent application of the law in a manner that preserves fairness, order, and institutional credibility. Any corrective measures taken must ensure that political participation is properly regulated and that no actor benefits from operating outside the legal framework.
It must be understood that the purpose of political party registration is not ceremonial—it is designed to ensure accountability, transparency, and equal competition within a regulated democratic space. If unregistered movements are allowed to operate as though they are political parties, then the very rationale for registration is weakened, and the incentive for compliance is undermined.
Therefore, protecting the integrity of the electoral system requires more than observation; it demands action. A democracy cannot be sustained where some actors are bound by law while others operate in a legal grey area yet enjoy the same political privileges. For this reason, fairness must not only be declared but actively enforced to preserve public trust and the legitimacy of our democratic institutions.
The views expressed in this article are the author’s own and do not necessarily reflect The Fatu Networks’ editorial stance.
