Alieu Momar Njai, IEC Chairman
By Ramatoulie Jawo
Alieu Momarr Njai will officially conclude his tenure as Chairman of the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) in March 2025, marking the end of his years of service overseeing elections in The Gambia.
According to Pa Makan Khan, the IEC’s Director of Communications, Njai’s term will formally end in March 2025, bringing an end to his leadership at the electoral body. His time at the helm of the IEC has been characterized by both milestones and controversies, including the successful conduct of national elections and his efforts to strengthen democratic processes in the country.
Njai’s leadership was instrumental in overseeing major elections, most notably the historic 2016 presidential election, which led to a peaceful transition of power in The Gambia. However, his tenure has also been marked by opposition criticisms, particularly concerning the 2021 elections. Critics from opposition parties have accused Njai of presiding over an election process that they claim was marred by electoral malpractices, especially during the voter registration process.
As The Gambia approaches a new phase in its electoral administration, the search for a successor to Njai is underway. The appointment of a new IEC Chairman will be closely scrutinized by political stakeholders, as the country continues its journey to uphold democratic principles and ensure free, fair, and transparent elections.