A heated exchange unfolded at the Independent Electoral Commission’s (IEC) monthly stakeholder engagement on Wednesday, as concerns over voter fraud sparked debate between a journalist and a political party representative.
QTV journalist Ade Daramy questioned what he described as an “exaggerated” narrative surrounding electoral malpractice, after IEC Chairman Joseph Colley disclosed that only one case of voter fraud had been detected so far.
“I think the notion of voter fraud is greatly exaggerated,” Daramy argued, noting that the limited number of identified cases suggested the issue was not as widespread as some claimed. He further emphasised that political parties, many of which are represented by lawyers, have avenues to challenge alleged offences through the courts.
“If you are certain that there’s been voter fraud, then take it to the courts,” he said, adding that he was unaware of anyone having been prosecuted or sanctioned beyond the single case mentioned by the IEC chairman.
His remarks drew an immediate response from Lamin Manneh, a representative of the United Democratic Party (UDP), who rejected the assertion that voter fraud concerns were overstated.
“I think the gentleman from QTV is entitled to his opinion, but I don’t think he can adjudicate on the fact that voter fraud is exaggerated,” Manneh countered.
He recalled that during the 2021 electoral cycle, the IEC had introduced what he described as an “amnesty” approach for individuals who made genuine mistakes during voter registration. A similar approach, he said, has been adopted during the current exercise, while those found to have deliberately violated the law would face prosecution.
Manneh also referenced a voter registration case involving the UDP that was ultimately dismissed by the Supreme Court, stressing that allegations of fraud should be determined through legal processes rather than personal opinion.
“So I don’t think he is in any position to adjudicate that there’s an exaggeration of voter fraud. So you’re entitled to your opinion, but please spare us your adjudication,” he told Mr Daramy.
The exchange came after the IEC disclosed that one voter fraud case has so far been detected, while warning that suspected cases of registration fraud would be prosecuted in accordance with the law.
