The Nation has been witnessing interesting political developments in recent years. There are talks of divisions in most political parties and in the UDP in particular. If politicians don’t think hard and strategize accordingly, overestimation could lead to tragic political outcomes. Tribalism and commercialization of politics can no longer be harbingers of successful political gains in the electoral process. Looking at the changing phases of political behavior over the years, it could be safely concluded that Gambians are unpredictable in political attitudes. In 2016, they voted for Honourable Mama Kandeh and disrupted Jammeh's win over HE Adama Barrow Coalition flag bearer. In the 2021 elections, they voted for HE Adama Barrow of NPP and disrupted Lawyer Darbo’s chances of winning the Presidency. In 2023 they voted for the UDP in the Local government elections and massively disrupted the NPP’s chances to control Municipalities/Area Councils. Politically speaking, grassroots politics is in the hands of the opposition UDP. They voted to defeat the NPP ward candidate in Kiang Massembe and put the UDP in political strength. They voted to defeat the UDP in a ward election in Jokadu and put the NPP in political strength. The 2026 elections outcome will depend on the mood of the country regardless of the current beatings of the chest and claims of party popularities. Another point of reflection is the recent attitudes of the Youths in coming out in the streets to fight for their rights and to demand accountability in the conduct of the affairs of the State. That was an indication that there is a new wave of generational consciousness which transcends tribal, regional, religious, parental and sectional boundaries. The Youth factor, therefore, becomes a political watch in the democratic process. Their participation is critical in the political process. Politicians and Political Parties must be warned that the level of political consciousness and maturity of Gambians have been raised to higher levels since the advent of what has been described as ‘THE NEW GAMBIA’. It can no longer be the politics of the Heart but the politics of the Head to make inroads into the political mindsets of the people. Those who do not critically perceive the THEMES of their lives and the state of the Nation, will be carried along in the wake of change. The country might face more difficult unforeseen political circumstances between the remainder of this year and 2026. This may be as a result of a convoluted political environment in which the stakes will be high. In this changing political phase in the country, the people’s political consciousness and political maturity will once again be put to a test before the whole world.
