While UDP condemns it as “anti-democratic election deposit hikes,” GANU described it as “unacceptable act which must be condemned by every Gambian including civil society, political parties and independent candidates.”
The presidential candidates deposit is now increased from D10,000 to D1 million; National Assembly candidates deposit increases from D5,000 to D150,000; Mayors/Chairpersons deposit increased to D100,000, while councillors increased from D3,000 to D10,000.
“The United Democratic Party (UDP) strongly condemns the draconian increases in election deposits approved by the NPP-controlled National Assembly, a move designed to crush opposition participation and cement President Barrow’s authoritarian agenda,” the Party states in a press release. “This is a direct assault on democracy.”
“These changes mirror Jammeh’s 2015 playbook, where he raised presidential deposits by 4,900% to D500,000 to bankrupt opponents. The NPP’s justification, framed as "election integrity," is a sham. The true aim is to exclude grassroots candidates.”
“This action of the NPP led Gambia Government is an attempt to undermine our democracy and to deprive the poor and the needy average Gambian from exercising their right to seek public office through election. Where on earth can most Gambians afford D1M (One million dalasi) deposit? How about the average Gambian who wants to either contest as a Parliamentarian or Councilor? Where can they afford the D150, 000.00 or D10, 000 in addition to other activity budget for their election into public office? Even if candidates will be sponsored by their parties, there are independent candidates who sponsor everything on their own,” GANU stated.
