Several political parties in Gambia, including the ruling National People’s Party (NPP), have missed the deadline to hold their congresses as mandated by the electoral law. The Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) requires political parties to hold congresses at least once every two years under the 2015 Elections Amendment Act.
Out of 16 parties initially reminded by the IEC to hold their congresses, only 11 complied before the December 31, 2024 deadline. These compliant parties include the United Democratic Party, Gambia Democratic Congress, and Gambia Action Party, among others.
However, five political parties, including the NPP, Citizens’ Alliance, National Reconciliation Party, Alliance for Patriotic Reorientation and Construction, and Gambia For All party, failed to meet the requirement. These parties have formally requested extensions, which the IEC has granted.
According to IEC Communication Director Pa Makan Khan, the commission prefers engagement over punitive measures. “While these laws are binding, we believe dialogue is more practical than immediate sanctions. When engagement fails, we resort to suspension or, as a last measure, deregistration. But we prioritize collaboration, given the critical role of political parties in governance,” he stated.
Khan also emphasized that the congress is one of several legal obligations for political parties. Other requirements include submitting audited financial statements and evidence of operational regional bureaus.
Certain parties, such as the People’s Democratic Organisation for Independence and Socialism, Gambia Moral Congress, and Democratic Party, were not due for congresses since their last ones were held less than two years ago.
The IEC’s approach has drawn criticism from some quarters, with accusations of leniency towards incumbent parties. However, Khan reiterated the importance of engaging parties to uphold electoral laws while maintaining an inclusive political framework.
