The Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) has published a detailed electoral calendar for the years 2026 and 2027, outlining the official schedule for voter registration, presidential elections, National Assembly elections, and local government elections in The Gambia.
This calendar serves not merely as a list of dates; it is a legally enforceable framework that promotes transparency, fairness, and predictability in the democratic process.
Each activity corresponds to specific provisions of the Constitution, the Electoral Act, or the Local Government Act, making the calendar a practical reference for citizens and a protection against arbitrary modifications.
By releasing this calendar well ahead of time, the IEC clarifies expectations for voters, political parties, and observers, enabling them to prepare thoroughly and hold the process accountable.
The calendar commences with supplementary voter registration in 2026, which is essential for preserving the integrity of the electoral roll.
This process will be officially announced via a Gazette notice on 2 February 2026, marking the beginning of preparations. Registration will occur from 1 April to 14 May, providing citizens with 44 days to ensure their inclusion.
After registration closes, provisional voter lists will be displayed from 7 to 16 July, allowing the public to verify their information.
This transparency is further enhanced by a 14-day period for objections and appeals, from 7 to 21 July, during which citizens can contest any inaccuracies or omissions.
To address disputes, Revising Courts will convene for 60 days, from 22 July to 21 September, ensuring that the final voter register is credible and legally valid.
This series of steps underscores the IEC’s commitment to the accuracy of the voter roll, acknowledging that free and fair elections rely on a trustworthy register.
The presidential election, set for 5 December 2026, is the focal point of the calendar.
Preparations will begin months in advance, with the Gazette election notice published on 2 September.
Candidates will have from 26 October to 6 November to submit and amend nomination papers, a 12-day window that guarantees fairness and thoroughness.
Campaign schedules will then be coordinated between 7 and 9 November to prevent overlaps, followed by a 24-day campaign period from 10 November to 3 December.
The deadline for candidates to withdraw is 27 November, after which the ballot will be finalized.
Notably, a cooling-off day on 4 December prohibits campaigning immediately before the election, allowing voters time to reflect.
This sequence illustrates the IEC’s dedication to balancing candidates’ rights with the necessity for orderly elections.
The National Assembly elections will take place in 2027, with election day scheduled for 10 April.
The Gazette notice will be published on 21 January, nominations will be accepted from 6 to 14 March, and campaign schedules will be coordinated between 15 and 17 March.
The campaign period will run from 18 March to 8 April, with withdrawals permitted until 3 April. A cooling-off day on 9 April will precede the voting.
These procedures mirror those of the presidential election, ensuring consistency across various election levels and reinforcing the principle that all elections should adhere to clear, predictable regulations.
Local government elections will occur in two phases: councillorship and mayoral/chairmanship. Councillorship elections are scheduled for 22 May 2027, with the Gazette notice published on 22 February.
Nominations will take place from 24 April to 3 May, campaign schedules will be reconciled between 4 and 6 May, and the campaign period will run from 7 to 20 May.
The last day for withdrawal is 15 May, followed by a cooling-off day on 21 May. Mayoral and chairmanship elections will then be held on 26 June 2027.
The Gazette notice for these elections will be published on 15 March, nominations will be accepted from 2 to 9 June, and campaign itineraries will be reconciled on 10 June.
The campaign period will span from 11 to 24 June, with withdrawals allowed until 19 June and a cooling-off day on 25 June.
These local elections are crucial as they determine leadership at the grassroots level, directly impacting communities and local governance.
The importance of this calendar cannot be overstated.
It provides legal certainty by anchoring each activity in law, transparency by making dates public well in advance, and accountability by establishing strict timelines that minimize the risk of disputes.
For citizens, it serves as a guide for when to register, verify their details, and engage in elections.
For political parties and candidates, it delineates clear boundaries for nominations, campaigning, and withdrawals.
For civil society and observers, it is a tool for monitoring compliance and ensuring that the process is conducted fairly.
Essentially, the electoral calendar is the blueprint for The Gambia’s democratic process over two years, serving as a vital safeguard for the credibility of the country’s elections.
By adhering to this timetable, the IEC bolsters public trust in the electoral system.
By Alhagie Omar Jallow