Seedy SK Njie, Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly and deputy spokesperson of the ruling National People’s Party, has accused the opposition United Democratic Party of intimidating and profiling citizens during the ongoing voter registration process.

Speaking at a political meeting in Abuko, Njie alleged that members of the UDP were questioning the nationality of potential voters and attempting to discourage them from registering.

“UDP are going around troubling and profiling people, which shows UDP is a party of fitna and a tribalist party,” he said. “If you go with your birth certificate or ID card or passport, they tell you that you are not a Gambian. This is what they are doing to scare people.”

He urged eligible citizens not to be intimidated and to proceed with the registration process if they meet the legal requirements.

“But let no one be scared of them. As long as you are a Gambian and aged 18 years, go and get your voter card,” Njie said. “Don’t let them insult you or belittle you. They are neither the police nor the Immigration of this country.”

Njie also referenced comments by President Adama Barrow, who he said had called on members and agents of the NPP to respect the law and avoid disrupting activities at registration centres.

“President Barrow has urged NPP agents to respect the laws of this country and never go to registration centres to cause chaos,” he said, adding that safeguarding peace and stability remains a priority.

Njie maintained that any Gambian with valid identification documents should be allowed to register, insisting that authorities should not deny eligible citizens their right to participate in the electoral process.

The United Democratic Party has not responded to the allegations.