As we move to the end of the voter registration process, I hope the
haphazard nature of the process will NOT epitomize the 'challenge' phase.
Let me pause here and ask again elections experts like Lamin PF Manneh or
the Opposition party stalwarts in our midst that are more familiar with our
electoral laws whether there are specific provisions in our current
electoral rules dealing with the 'challenge' of the registration of
ineligible voters. I have a feeling there are, but I just want to be doubly
sure and also find out what leeway those laws give the Opposition parties.

Prior to the commencement of the registration process, we were working on
the assumption that political parties will be given the opportunity to
challenge in court the registration of ineligible voters and the
non-registration of eligible voters. Consequently, we had counseled the
Opposition parties to document all wrong-doings during the registration
process. If the 'challenge' provisions are intact, there is frankly no need
to create commotion during the registration process. There is no need to
physically prevent the registration of certain aliens and give the IEC the
excuse to close certain registration centers prematurely. The task at this
stage should just be limited to fact-gathering.

Now that we have all the facts that we need about APRC/IEC shenanigans, it
is incumbent on the Opposition parties to formulate a strategy for
challenging the registration of ineligible voters and also make sure that
real Gambians that were denied their right to register, make it to the voter
registration rolls. The work starts when we see the rolls compiled by the
IEC at each registration center. Party stalwarts in that constituency should
scrutinize the rolls and flag the ineligible voters. We should then build a
case on each ineligible voter a go to court. From my recollection of the
electoral rules we had during the former regime (we might still have those),
political parties are given a short amount of time to challenge the contents
of these rolls. That is why it was vital that the Opposition was vigilant
during the registration process. That is why it is also vital for the
Opposition parties to move fast in order to cleanse the rolls, so to speak.

The impurity of this voter registration and challenge process should be a
grounds for boycotting the elections. If Opposition parties are NOT
satisfied that their grievances during this period have been adequately
addressed by the IEC and the courts, the parties should BOYCOTT the
elections. The parties that are actively participating in elections matters
as we speak/write (UDP and NRP) should tap the experience of PDOIS in this
sphere. PDOIS has previously battled PPP in this arena. I respectfully urge
UDP and NRP (in the spirit of a United Opposition) to consult with PDOIS
about the modalities of challenging voter registrations.

Finally, I hope the parties will NOT allow the APRC/IEC to doctor the rolls.
We must draw a line in the sand. They RIG the registration process, we
BOYCOTT. The Parties negotiating with the IEC should have all their eyes
wide open. We should be giving ultimatum upon ultimatum. No media access,
BOYCOTT. Counting the votes away from the polling stations, BOYCOTT. We must
NOT get into this elections with the deck heavily stacked against us.
KB

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