There are existing political parties and several new ones in the making, according to sources. What the Nation is witnessing for now is the vibrancy of the main contending Parties, that is the NPP and the UDP. We shall therefore, take a look at these two Parties first. The National People’s Party (NPP) is a Presidential Party. It is currently standing on strong political footing. Provided its alliances remain intact, the Party will be formidable in the 2026 elections. However, observers have talked about the skirmishes within the NPP camp which could lead to tribal conflict in its ranks unless the leadership holds firm the spirit of the coalition that brought the Party into power. As the Wollof proverb says ‘DINA LERR’. On the other hand, the United Democratic Party (UDP) which has been considered the majority opposition party, is seemingly showing signs of crack and a possible crash which could lead to its disintegration if political sophistication is not injected to fix its political fragility. Unlike the NPP leadership, the UDP leader is yet to be publicly categoric whether he will contest in the 2026 elections as the Party’s flag bearer. As the Wollof proverb says ‘NA LERR’. The other remaining contenders of significance in Gambian politics are the Gambia Democratic Congress (GDC) and the People’s Democratic Organisation for Independence and Socialism (PDOIS). The GDC is still on evaluation of the political terrain and will hopefully come out with its plan of action sooner than later. So far, the Party is endowed with the most powerful political orator in the country. In politics oratory prowess matters. From its history in 2016, GDC could be a stumbling block to the chances of political victory for other Parties in the 2026 elections. The PDOIS is also seemingly showing signs of disunity within its ranks. This might hinder the Party’s chances of making a headway in the 2026 elections. It is a Party that is endowed with intellectualism but politically displaced with ordinary Gambians. They don’t seem to speak the language of the people. This is to say what the people can understand and what the people want in their livelihoods. The Party’s state of preparedness for the 2026 elections is under the radar of the public. It is not clear yet who will be the next Party leader even though the current leadership talks about a ‘strategic political framework in the making.’ Hope it enhances the image of the Party and make it survive in the battle for the State House in 2026. There are rumours of new political parties in the making. It will add to the battle for political survival in the coming year. History has shown that most of the mushroom political parties are not ready for the political battleground but do seek for alliances that will give them positions in government. The dynamics could change but so far, the political battleground ground for the 2026 elections is in the likelihood of winning Parties NPP, UDP and GDC. No doubt, it will be the most contested elections in the history of the country. If men are unable to critically perceive the themes of their lives, they will be carried along in the wake of change. A revolution of conscience therefore, matters in the 2026 election year.
There has been public outcry already about the fairness and transparency of the 2026 elections and as well the appointment of Chairman of the Independent Electoral Commission. For a level playing field, it is in the supreme interest of the Nation that these concerns are addressed. It will add to the consolidation of democracy and good governance. After all, the winner of the political battle ground will depend on the electorates. The Party that sells its agenda well, will most likely capture the most votes in the 2026 elections. The conduct of peaceful elections gives credibility to both the government and the people. There will be no reasons for hatred and bitterness once the electoral process is conducted in a free and transparent manner and the will of the people safeguarded.
