By Isatou Sarr
The Patriotic Alliance for System Transformation, Emancipation through Functionalism (PASTEF) has called on Gambians to view the recent by-elections in Foni and Kiang as a reflection of entrenched political realities rather than an indication of the 2026 presidential contest.
PASTEF Public Relations Officer, Mayorro Sidibeh, said the country’s electoral landscape has long been shaped by competition between incumbents and fragmented opposition parties, a dynamic that has consistently favoured those in power.
“Since independence, no opposition coalition has unseated a sitting government in a presidential election, reinforcing the advantages of incumbency,” Mr. Sidibeh said.
He noted that narrow victories in Foni and Kiang should not be interpreted as forecasts for 2026. By-elections, he explained, often involve lower turnout and short-term considerations that do not necessarily reflect national sentiment.
While such contests may offer tactical lessons for upcoming elections, Mr. Sidibeh stressed that past by-election successes have rarely translated into decisive national victories. Economic conditions, social factors, and voter participation likely shaped the recent outcomes.
The PASTEF official also highlighted the importance of opposition unity. “Without a broad coalition, overcoming incumbency is unlikely. Internal divisions continue to undermine collective efforts,” he said.