The Gambia’s presidential election scheduled for 5th December 2026 represents an opportunity to consolidate the democratic governance gains achieved since the historic political transition of 2016. Its significance is heightened because it will be the first presidential election held after two failed attempts at constitutional amendment and because the incumbent is seeking a third term under rules that many citizens wish to change.
Within this sensitive political context, shortcomings in the management of the electoral process could amplify existing political tensions, weaken public confidence in democratic institutions, and undermine the democratic gains achieved over the past decade.