NDI CALLS FOR CREDIBLE, INCLUSIVE 2026 PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION IN THE GAMBIA By Isatou Jawara
The National Democratic Institute (NDI) has called on The Gambia to use the December 5, 2026 presidential election to strengthen democratic institutions, deepen public confidence in the electoral process and ensure broad and meaningful participation.
The call was made on Friday, August 28, 2026, at a press conference in Kololi, following a five-day pre-election assessment mission to the country.
The delegation was co-led by former United States Ambassador to the United Nations, Linda Thomas-Greenfield, and former Chairman of Nigeria’s Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Attahiru Jega.
During the mission, the delegation consulted widely with key stakeholders, including President Adama Barrow, prospective presidential candidates, political parties, the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC), civil society organisations, security officials, media practitioners and other actors involved in the electoral process.
Presenting the mission’s preliminary findings, Ambassador Thomas-Greenfield said preparations for the December 5 election were generally progressing, but stressed that sustaining public confidence would be critical as the country moves towards the polls.
She noted that a credible election goes beyond the conduct of voting on election day, stressing that transparency, accountability, access to information and meaningful stakeholder participation throughout the electoral cycle are equally important.
The NDI mission urged electoral authorities and political actors to strengthen communication with citizens and ensure that voters receive accurate, timely and accessible information about the electoral process.
Professor Jega, for his part, emphasised the importance of sustained engagement among the IEC, political parties and other stakeholders, noting that dialogue and transparency are essential to addressing concerns and building confidence in electoral institutions.
The mission also recommended the timely sitting of revising courts and the publication of a final voters’ register that is accessible to relevant stakeholders.
It further urged Gambian authorities and political actors to consolidate the democratic gains recorded since the country’s 2016 political transition while continuing efforts to address outstanding electoral and constitutional reforms.
Particular emphasis was placed on inclusion, with the delegation calling for greater opportunities for women, young people and persons with disabilities to participate meaningfully in political and electoral affairs.
According to the mission, broad participation is essential to building a democratic system that reflects the voices, interests and aspirations of all sections of Gambian society.
The assessment comes at a crucial stage in The Gambia’s democratic development. Since the 2016 political transition, the country has undergone significant changes in its political and civic environment, with successive electoral processes serving as important tests of the resilience of its democratic institutions.
Against this backdrop, the December 5 presidential election is expected to attract significant national and international attention.
The NDI stressed that every stakeholder has a responsibility to ensure that the electoral process remains peaceful, transparent, credible and inclusive.
It called on political parties, candidates, electoral authorities, civil society organisations, the media, security institutions and citizens to play constructive roles in safeguarding the integrity of the process.
The institute also encouraged Gambians to participate actively in the election and remain engaged beyond election day, noting that democratic development depends on sustained citizen participation and strong institutions.
With preparations continuing, attention will increasingly turn to the implementation of electoral procedures, voter engagement and the ability of institutions and political actors to maintain public confidence.
For The Gambia, the December election represents another important opportunity to demonstrate its commitment to democratic governance and strengthen its democratic transition.
The NDI therefore urged all stakeholders to approach the electoral period with a shared commitment to protecting the integrity of the process and ensuring that the final outcome reflects the will of Gambian voters.
