The Gambia will hold its next presidential election on December 5, 2026, according to an announcement made Thursday by the country’s electoral body.
The declaration comes as President Adama Barrow’s decision to run for a third term continues to stir political tension both domestically and internationally.
President Barrow, who first took office in 2016 after defeating longtime ruler Yahya Jammeh, sparked surprise earlier this year when he confirmed plans to seek re-election.
While The Gambia’s 1997 constitution allows a third term, many Gambians had expected Barrow to step aside after two terms, particularly given his earlier commitment to constitutional reform.
Barrow’s original victory raised hopes for democratic renewal, including the introduction of presidential term limits.
A proposed constitution, drafted after his election, sought to limit future presidents to two five-year terms.
However, in 2020, Barrow’s allies in parliament rejected the draft due to a retroactive clause that would have barred him from contesting again.
A second version, which excluded the retroactive rule, was submitted four years later but also failed to pass in July 2024.
The president’s decision to run again under the National People’s Party (NPP) has been met with growing criticism.
Opposition leaders and civil society groups argue that Barrow is betraying the democratic promises he once championed.
Last month, the opposition United Democratic Party (UDP) formally named seasoned politician Ousainou Darboe as its presidential candidate for 2026.
Darboe, a prominent figure in Gambian politics, previously served as vice president and foreign minister under Barrow before their political split.
Despite criticism, Barrow remains the frontrunner in the upcoming election, largely due to a fragmented opposition landscape that has yet to form a united front.
Joseph Colley, chairman of The Gambia’s Independent Electoral Commission (IEC), confirmed the election schedule at a press briefing.
The presidential election is set for December 5, 2026, with parliamentary elections to follow on April 10, 2027.
The December 5 date aligns with the electoral calendar outlined in the current constitution and is consistent with previous voting cycles.
