Do not underestimate the Dec 5 2026 Presidential election

By Bakary Jallow

The Gambia is heading towards what promises to be one of the most closely watched presidential elections in our democratic history. On 5 December 2026, Gambians will decide who will lead the country for the next term.

Let nobody take this election for granted.

At this point, it is too early for anyone to declare victory. Whether it is UMC, Talib, NPP, Adama Barrow, UDP, Ousainou Darboe, or another candidate who ultimately emerges, the reality is simple: the election will be decided by the voters, not by the size of crowds at political rallies.

A massive crowd does not automatically translate into votes.

An incumbent can attract thousands of people to a rally. An opposition party can also mobilise enormous crowds. But neither is a guarantee of victory.

We have seen this before.

In the 2016 presidential election, Yahya Jammeh, the incumbent at the time, drew large crowds during his campaign. Yet the final results declared Adama Barrow the winner. The official IEC results show Barrow receiving more votes than Jammeh nationally.

And today, we are already seeing signs that this election should not be underestimated. During the start of President Barrow’s Meet the People tour, I heard people chanting “Barrow down! Barrow down!” Whether one agrees with the chant or not, it is something worth paying attention to. I do not recall hearing such a chant during his previous campaigns or Meet the People tours.

That alone does not determine an election, but neither should it be dismissed.

The message is clear: anything can happen.

Let us therefore not confuse political enthusiasm with electoral victory. Let us not mistake crowds for votes. Let us not underestimate our fellow Gambians. And above all, let us not declare winners before the people have spoken.

The ballot box, not the rally ground will ultimately tell the story.

As we approach December 5, let every political party campaign peacefully, let every Gambian exercise his or her democratic right freely, and let us respect one another regardless of political affiliation.

And when the votes are counted and the official result is announced, let us accept the verdict of the Gambian electorate and maintain peace.

In every election, there can ultimately be only one winner.

But beyond political parties and candidates, there is one Gambia – and that Gambia belongs to all of us.

Let us compete peacefully.

Let us vote responsibly.

Let us respect the result.

And let The Gambia come first.

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