According to the NDP, the account presented by the IEC does not accurately reflect the facts surrounding its registration process.
The party recalled that on 22 October 2025, it formally submitted its application for registration at the IEC headquarters, in full compliance with the provisions of the IEC Act. The submission included:
- The Party Constitution
- The Party Emblem and Logo
- The Party Colour and Symbol
- 11,796 registered voters’ cards, as required by law
Two months later, the NDP delegation, led by H.E. Kebba Bojang, attended a meeting at the IEC Conference Hall with senior Commission officials, including Chief Electoral Officer Sambujang Jagne.
During the meeting, the NDP was informed of several issues raised by the Commission: Certain terminologies in the party’s constitution were described as “Ghanaian terms” and deemed unacceptable, with advice to amend them; the party logo was accepted, but the IEC requested the removal of national colours surrounding it. The party’s chosen colour, sky blue, was not rejected; regarding the 11,796 voter cards submitted, 3,355 were reportedly rejected due to inconsistencies such as mismatched signatures and thumbprints, unreadable numbers, and incorrect constituency or administrative area names.
However, the party expressed surprise that instead of continued administrative engagement, the IEC chose to present what it described as a “dramatic narrative” in the press and on social media, portraying affected parties negatively.
“The National Democratic Party maintains that the Independent Electoral Commission must remain an impartial referee in the democratic process,” the statement read. “The Commission’s role is to uphold fairness, transparency, and equal treatment of all political actors, not to appear to downplay or discredit certain parties in a manner that may be perceived as favouring others.”
The NDP further questioned whether the ruling National People’s Party (NPP) was subjected to the same level of scrutiny and public commentary during its registration process, stressing that equal treatment under the law is a cornerstone of democracy.
Conateh concluded by reaffirming the NDP’s commitment to working within the legal framework of The Gambia, while reserving the right to demand transparency, fairness, and accountability in matters affecting its political participation.
“We call on the IEC to engage all affected parties in a professional, constructive, and transparent manner, consistent with democratic best practices and the principles of natural justice,” the statement declared.
