Countries / Africa
GMB
Elections in The Gambia
republic
Elections in The Gambia: the next vote, who holds power now, and the country's election history. The next one is the Gambian presidential election on 5 December 2026. Head of state and government is Adama Barrow; the system of government is republic. Contenders include Adama Barrow.
Next election
Gambian presidential election - 5 December 2026
Who's running
Adama BarrowIncumbent
National People's Party (NPP)
Incumbent president since 2017, seeking a further term.
Led a July 2025 poll (~31%) over a fragmented opposition.
Talib Ahmed BensoudaMain challenger
Unite Movement for Change (UMC)
Mayor of Kanifing; founded the UMC ahead of the race.
Second at ~18% in the July 2025 poll.
Ousainou DarboeContender
United Democratic Party (UDP)
Veteran opposition leader and former vice-president.
~12% in the July 2025 poll.
Polls & trendField and standings from public polling - a snapshot, not a forecast.
Advertisement
AB
Adama Barrow live
Head of state & government - National People's Party
In office since
21 January 2017
Party
National People's Party
Region
Africa
Advertisement
Elections nearby - Africa
Next election
Gambian presidential election
5 December 2026
Government
republic
Capital
Banjul
Population
2 639 916
Country facts
Legislature
National Assembly of The Gambia
Established
1965
Currency
dalasi
Official language
English
Capital
Banjul
Region
Africa
Area
11,300 km2
Advertisement
Election history
9 April 2022parliamentary
Gambian parliamentary election
turnout 51.2%
4 December 2021presidential
Gambian presidential election
won: Adama Barrow · turnout 89.3%
6 April 2017parliamentary
Gambian parliamentary election
turnout 42.8%
1 December 2016presidential
Gambian presidential election
won: Adama Barrow · turnout 91.3%
29 March 2012parliamentary
Gambian parliamentary election
turnout 38.7%
24 November 2011presidential
Gambian presidential election
won: Yahya Jammeh · turnout 82.6%
Presidential winner & turnout from Wikidata; parliamentary winners omitted (Wikidata data unreliable).
Power transferspeacefulcontestedirregular
2017 - Yahya Jammeh Adama Barrow
peaceful - no coup recorded
Classification: Powell & Thyne Coup d'Etat Dataset, where available.
Frequently asked questions
When is the next election in The Gambia?
The Gambian presidential election is scheduled for 5 December 2026.
Who is the current leader of The Gambia?
The head of state and government is Adama Barrow (National People's Party).
Who is running in the The Gambia election?
The main contenders are Adama Barrow, Talib Ahmed Bensouda, Ousainou Darboe. Standings are based on public polling.
When was the last election in The Gambia?
The most recent was the Gambian parliamentary election on 9 April 2022.
What type of government does The Gambia have?
The Gambia is a republic.
Profile from Wikidata - updated 2026-07-02.