By Arret Jatta
The Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) has announced that revising courts have begun hearing objections arising from the 2026 supplementary voter registration exercise.
In a statement yesterday, the IEC said magistrates have been appointed by the Chief Justice to hear cases involving disputed voter registrations across the country.
The hearings are being held at magistrate courts in Kanifing, Bundung, Brikama, Mansakonko, Kerewan, Farafenni. Janjanbureh, Kuntaur, Kaur and Basse.
The IEC said the names of persons who filed objections and those whose registrations were challenged had been published at its offices.
“The revising courts form an important part of the voter registration process. Their role is to examine objections and determine whether challenged registrations should remain on the voter register.
The courts can consider issues linked to a person’s eligibility to register, including citizenship, age and residency. They can also correct errors or omissions in the voter register where necessary,” the IEC said.
Meanwhile, the IEC previously disclosed that 1,600 objections had been received following the supplementary registration exercise.
Another report later put the number at 1,694 objections. The cases were submitted to revising courts after the appeals and objections period ended.
Under the legal framework governing revising courts, magistrates are expected to determine appeals and objections within 60 days. The hearings are also conducted publicly.
The outcome will help determine the final composition of the supplementary voter register before it is merged with the existing 2021 voter register.
The IEC said the process is aimed at strengthening the integrity and credibility of the electoral process ahead of the December 5, 2026 presidential election.
The Commission also assured the public and other stakeholders of its commitment to a transparent and credible electoral process.