The Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) has detected more than 24,000 suspected cases of double voter registration following the conclusion of the 2026 nationwide voter registration exercise.

The disclosure was made by the IEC Chairman, Joseph Colley, during the Commission’s monthly stakeholder meeting, where he presented preliminary registration data and compliance findings.

Mr. Colley said a total of 212,095 voters were registered during the exercise conducted between 8 April and 24 May 2026, with a gender breakdown showing 96,581 males and 115,504 females.

He further revealed that 8,169 voters transferred from one polling station to another during the registration period.

He stated: “A total of 212,095 people were registered during the voter registration exercise conducted between 8 April and 24 May 2026.”

Mr. Colley added that the Commission will proceed with final consolidation of the voter roll once the provisional register is published and the revising court process is completed.

He explained: “Once the provisional voter list is published and the revising court process is concluded, the final registration figures for 2026 will be added to the voter register from 2021.”

However, the IEC boss raised concern over electoral compliance after confirming that the Commission’s biometric system flagged 24,058 suspected cases of double registration.

He said: “The Commission’s biometric matching system detected 24,058 suspected cases of double registration.”

According to him, the individuals involved are believed to have registered more than once, an act which violates electoral laws and carries criminal implications.

He warned: “The Commission will take the relevant measures in response. This may include prosecution of the culprits or barring them from participating in elections.”

Mr. Colley stressed that investigations and verification processes are still ongoing to confirm the authenticity of the flagged cases before any final action is taken.

He added that the IEC will not rush conclusions, noting that due process must be followed to ensure fairness and accuracy in the final voter register.

The development comes as the Commission continues efforts to clean and update the national voter database ahead of upcoming electoral activities.

By Adama Makasuba