By Haddy Touray
The United Democratic Party (UDP) has acknowledged the release of election survey and opinion poll conducted by the Centre for Policy Research and Strategic Studies (CEPRASS) on the December presidential elections.
In a statement, the party said it “respects the effort, process, and intent behind such research” and recognizes the role of data and opinion polling in informing public debate and political strategy.
The UDP added that it will review the findings of the survey to “strengthen our campaign, sharpen our messaging, and deepen our connection with voters across the country.”
However, the party emphasized that “opinion polls do not determine election outcomes, voters do,” citing examples from other African countries where election results differed from pre-election polls. The UDP referenced Malawi’s 2020 presidential election, in which opposition leader Dr. Lazarus Chakwera won despite polls predicting his defeat, and Zambia’s 2021 election, where opposition leader Hakainde Hichilema secured a victory contrary to prevailing predictions.
“Across Africa and beyond, political history consistently reminds us that polls can underestimate grassroots momentum, misread public sentiment, or fail to capture late shifts in voter behavior,” the UDP said.
The party stressed that while it values data, it places greater confidence in “the will of the Gambian people, the strength of democratic participation, and the power of ideas, organization, and hard work.”
The UDP concluded that its focus remained on “engaging citizens directly, offering credible and practical solutions to national challenges, and earning the trust of voters through integrity, consistency, and service,” adding that the final outcome will be determined by the electorate in December.