Amid confusion over eligibility to hold congresses and contest elections, the law has not changed. Only our willingness to read it has shifted.

The Elections Act, not the Societies Act, governs political participation. Where there is clarity, silence from those who know better has allowed uncertainty to spread.

There are times in a nation’s democratic life when the law is not just a set of rules but a compass. But there are also times, like now, when that compass is ignored, bent, or drowned out by loud voices that do not read carefully.

The current debate about unregistered organisations holding political‑party congresses or contesting elections is not a constitutional crisis. It is a crisis of civic literacy. This is made worse by the silence of those who should guide public understanding.

The Chairman of the Independent Electoral Commission recently reminded the country of a simple truth. Organizations not registered as political parties under the Elections Act cannot hold political‑party congresses.

This is not a new interpretation or political statement. It is the law as written, practiced, and applied in every electoral cycle since multiparty politics returned.

Still, confusion continues. The false idea that registration under the Societies Act brings political legitimacy persists. It does not. The Act is simply an administrative framework, inherited from colonial times, overseeing associations, religious bodies, clubs, and civic groups to ensure order and accountability.

But it does not create political parties or give movements power to nominate candidates, adopt symbols, or hold political congresses.

Political participation is governed only by the Elections Act. This Act lists the requirements for registering a political party: documentation, signatures, internal structures, financial disclosures, and compliance with the IEC’s rules. Only after meeting these can an organisation become a political party under the law.

Only then may it hold a congress whose results the IEC can recognise. Only then may it present candidates to voters. The IEC says organizations must meet the requirements of Section 105 of the Elections Act to register.

This includes submitting forms, signatures, and documents. That is why the IEC maintains a list of registered political parties, which usually ranges from nineteen to twenty‑two, depending on the year. Only these can legally operate as political parties.

Of course, independent candidates are different. They do not need a party. They only follow the Elections Act’s nomination rules. But a movement is not the same. It cannot nominate or submit papers. It cannot appear on the ballot. To do this, it must register as a political party, not just as a society, association, or civic group.

What does this mean for UNITE? Even if UNITE is registered under the Societies Act, this status alone does not grant the right to: hold a political party congress, present candidates, use a party symbol, or participate in elections as a party.
Present candidates’
Use a party symbol;
Participate in elections as a party.

Until UNITE completes IEC registration as required by the Elections Act, it remains a civil society movement without the legal status or rights of a political party.

The current confusion is unnecessary. It does not come from unclear laws. It comes from public silence. Experts have not spoken loudly enough. Interpreters have not explained the law simply enough.

Meanwhile, those who benefit from confusion fill the gap with speculation, emotion, and half-truths. Democracy needs clarity, not noise. Institutions must speak when needed. Citizens must understand the rules that protect their rights. The IEC has spoken. The law is clear. The public must now raise its conversation to match the law, not follow misinformation. As the Mandinka say, “When truth exists, it must be spoken.” Silence breeds confusion.

Registration under the Societies Act is not the same as registration under the Elections Act. To contest elections, organizations must register with the IEC as a political party. Otherwise, only independent candidacy is allowed.

Let this remind us: democracy is defended by understanding, not only by loud voices. Wisdom strengthens us more than movements alone. The rule of law binds us all.

May clarity return to our public square. May truth steady our steps. May wisdom guide our leaders and followers. Ameen.

By Alagi Yorro Jallow