The Minister of Local Government, Lands and Religious Affairs, Hamat N.K. Bah, has cautioned regional authorities against using their positions to block Gambians from exercising their basic rights, especially the right to register to vote.
He delivered the warning during a meeting in Sasita Village in the Lower River Region as part of the President’s ongoing “Meet the People Tour.” His remarks followed complaints from the last electoral cycle, where some local officials were accused of denying eligible citizens access to voter registration on claims that they were foreigners. Many of these incidents were said to have occurred in border communities.
Minister Bah told the gathering that voter registration is a right guaranteed to every Gambian, and that political alignment has no bearing on that responsibility.
“It’s not our concern whether regional officials support the NPP or any party connected to President Barrow,” he said. “What matters is that no one uses public office to block people from what they are entitled to.”
He also expressed frustration with security officers who, according to him, failed to intervene when officials acted outside the law. He warned that any repeat of such behaviour in future registration exercises would face legal consequences.
“The law will not spare anyone, especially those who try to obstruct it,” he said.
Turning to residents, the Minister urged families living in border areas to ensure that every eligible Gambian in their households is registered. This includes children and spouses who are citizens, even if they live in or are married into communities across the border.
Minister Bah reminded the public that voter registration is not just an administrative process, but a fundamental right and an essential part of the country’s democratic life.
