BANJUL, The Gambia — President Adama Barrow has officially declared his intention to seek a third term in office, setting the stage for a contentious presidential race in December 2026 that could shape the future of Gambia’s fragile democracy.
Barrow, who rose to power in 2017 after ending Yahya Jammeh’s 22-year dictatorship, confirmed his third-term ambition despite earlier pledges to serve only two terms. He will run under the banner of his National People’s Party (NPP), founded in 2019, which he says needs continuity to consolidate governance and development gains.
“There is still work to do,” Barrow said during a recent rally. “If I step aside now, I risk abandoning the progress we’ve made and weakening the institutions we are building.”
Legal but Controversial
Under The Gambia’s 1997 Constitution, there are no presidential term limits, making Barrow’s bid legal. However, his announcement has reignited debate over democratic reforms he once championed. A draft constitution in 2020 that included a two-term presidential limit was rejected by the National Assembly—a move many critics saw as orchestrated to keep Barrow eligible beyond 2026. A renewed version of the draft also failed in 2025.
Barrow has said he still supports term limits “in principle,” but argues that they must come into effect through proper legislative procedure—not retroactively applied.
Mounting Opposition
Barrow’s third-term bid has sparked criticism from civil society organizations, opposition parties, and prominent political figures.
The Edward Francis Small Centre for Research and Justice (EFSCRJ) has urged him not to seek reelection, warning that another term could damage his legacy and undermine democratic trust. The Coalition of Progressive Gambians (CoPG) called his decision a “betrayal” of public expectations following Jammeh’s ouster.
Opposition leader Ousainou Darboe, of the United Democratic Party (UDP), denounced the move, reaffirming his stance that “no president should serve more than two terms” in a democratic Gambia. Many also cite the sacrifice of slain activist Solo Sandeng, who died fighting for political reform under the Jammeh regime.
Democracy in the Balance
Analysts say that while Barrow’s move is constitutional, it raises serious moral and political concerns. Critics argue that an extended tenure could consolidate executive power, weaken institutions, and reverse hard-won democratic gains made since 2017.
“President Barrow’s decision to run again may be legal, but it risks eroding the very democratic principles he once vowed to uphold,” said political analyst Fatoumata Jallow. “It’s a test not only for him but for the country’s democratic maturity.”
The Road to 2026
Barrow has begun positioning himself as a leader of continuity and stability, emphasizing infrastructure development, economic reforms, and international partnerships, including recent deals with the IMF and ECOWAS. His critics, however, argue that deep-rooted issues—such as unemployment, corruption, and judicial delays in transitional justice—remain unresolved.
With opposition parties consolidating, a politically aware youth demographic, and rising civic engagement, the 2026 election promises to be one of the most consequential in Gambia’s modern history.
Whether Barrow’s bid will be seen as a legitimate exercise of democratic choice or a step toward political entrenchment remains a defining question for Gambians heading into the new electoral season.
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