10/08/2026
UDP Raises Concern Over Continued Denial of Access to the Kairaba International Conference Centre
The United Democratic Party (UDP) wishes to bring to the attention of the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC), civil society organisations, media institutions, and the general public what it considers a growing concern regarding the continued denial of access to the Kairaba International Conference Centre for the party’s public and political activities.
The UDP first requested the use of the facility in February 2026, in connection with the party’s national retreat. At the time, the party was verbally informed that the Conference Centre had stopped renting its facilities to political parties for political activities.
However, the UDP subsequently observed that the National People’s Party (NPP) was accommodated at the same venue for its manifesto launch. This development raised serious questions about the consistency and equal application of the stated policy concerning political parties’ access to the facility.
More recently, the UDP once again requested the use of the Conference Centre for its 30th Anniversary Celebration Conference. The party has again been denied access, this time through a written communication citing technical difficulties that the Centre is reportedly experiencing during the dates requested by the UDP. The correspondence is attached for reference.
The UDP does not raise this matter merely as a question of access to a particular venue. We believe it raises a broader issue about equal treatment, access to public facilities, and the conditions necessary for a free, fair, and credible electoral environment.
Free and fair elections do not begin and end with voter registration and the casting of ballots on Election Day. A genuinely level electoral playing field also requires political parties to have equitable access to public spaces, public information, and media platforms through which they can communicate their policies and programmes to the electorate.
The UDP is therefore equally concerned about the continued challenges faced by opposition parties in accessing public media platforms, including GRTS, where opposition parties must be afforded fair and equitable opportunities to communicate with the Gambian public.
As the country moves toward the 2026 presidential election, we call on the Independent Electoral Commission, civil society organisations, media organisations, relevant authorities, and the general public to pay close attention to issues of equal access and equal treatment of political parties.
Democracy is not simply about allowing citizens to vote. It is also about ensuring that political actors can compete on a level playing field, communicate with voters freely, and access public facilities and platforms without discrimination.
The UDP remains committed to peaceful, democratic, and constitutional politics. We will continue to raise concerns through lawful and appropriate channels whenever we believe that the principles of equality, fairness, and democratic competition are at stake.
UDP Media and Communications Team
