Kandeh accused the IEC of failing to act as an impartial referee in past elections, alleging that the commission’s actions in 2016 and 2021 nearly destabilised the nation. “From now on, I’m warning the IEC: what happened in 2016 and 2021 will never happen here in 2026. Gambians are saying enough is enough,” Kandeh stated emphatically. He stressed that the IEC must treat all parties equally and adhere strictly to the law, warning that any partiality could have severe consequences for the country.
The GDC leader specifically criticized the IEC for alleged clandestine voter registration after the official closure of the process in 2021, calling it illegal and a betrayal of public trust. He also accused the ruling National People’s Party (NPP) of engaging in bribery by distributing taxpayer money to voters on the eve of elections, a practice he insisted must end. “The rights of the opposition will never be seized again,” Kandeh asserted, emphasising that opposition parties would not allow years of campaigning to be undermined by electoral malpractice.
Kandeh congratulated the newly appointed IEC officials but urged them to execute their duties with fairness. “We are praying for Almighty Allah to make your job easy, but if you choose to be partial, whatever comes out of it will consume us all,” he cautioned.
Turning his attention to President Adama Barrow, Kandeh accused the incumbent of prioritising his party’s survival over the welfare of Gambians. He referenced Barrow’s alleged statement that his party would collapse without him in power, urging voters to reject the president in 2026. “Barrow is no longer interested in advancing the welfare of Gambians but rather the welfare of his party,” Kandeh said, criticising the politicisation of essential services like electricity supply to rural areas.
Kandeh also dismissed Barrow’s administration for failing to prioritise critical issues, including security, healthcare, education, and development. He argued that electricity access, facilitated through the OMVG and Nawec, is a right for all Gambians, regardless of who is in power.
The GDC leader concluded with a bold prediction: “If there is any election that President Adama Barrow should be scared of, it is the 2026 presidential election.” He reiterated that the events that shaped the 2021 elections’ outcome would not be repeated, signaling a fierce opposition campaign ahead.
