As The Gambia approaches the 2026 elections, the message from citizens is unmistakable: economic survival has overtaken all other national concerns. The latest nationwide survey by the Centre for Policy, Research and Strategic Studies (CepRass) reveals a population increasingly burdened by the rising cost of living and deeply dissatisfied with the government’s economic stewardship.
When more than three-quarters of respondents rate the economy negatively and express frustration with price management, this is not routine discontent—it is a clear signal of distress. For many Gambians, daily life has become a balancing act between shrinking incomes and escalating expenses. The fact that the cost of living outranks unemployment and agriculture as the most pressing issue reflects how immediate and personal this crisis has become.
Economic hardship is not an isolated grievance; it is reshaping how citizens evaluate governance as a whole. The survey’s findings show a strong link between economic dissatisfaction and declining confidence in leadership and institutions. When 62 percent of respondents view governance negatively and more than half express dissatisfaction with democracy’s performance, it suggests that unmet economic expectations are eroding broader trust in the system.
Equally concerning is the reported decline in trust in key institutions, particularly law enforcement, alongside widespread perceptions that corruption is not being adequately addressed. These trends point to a credibility gap that cannot be ignored. Citizens are not only questioning outcomes—they are questioning the integrity and responsiveness of those in power.
Yet, amid this dissatisfaction, there is a striking and hopeful contrast: Gambians remain firmly committed to democratic values. Strong support for free expression and the right to protest indicates that citizens are not retreating into apathy. On the contrary, they are engaged, vocal and willing to hold leaders accountable. This is not a disengaged electorate—it is an empowered one.
The implication for policymakers is clear. Economic relief must move beyond rhetoric and become tangible in the lives of ordinary people. Addressing inflation, improving access to essential goods and strengthening public services are no longer optional—they are urgent priorities. At the same time, rebuilding trust will require visible efforts to tackle corruption, enhance transparency and ensure that institutions serve the public interest.
The survey also highlights a critical gap in youth inclusion. In a country with a young population, sidelining youth voices in decision-making is not only shortsighted but risks deepening frustration and disengagement over time.
As election season draws closer, political actors would do well to listen carefully. Voters are not merely seeking promises; they are demanding performance, accountability and meaningful change. The cost of living crisis has become the lens through which all other issues are judged.
In the end, the path forward is not complicated, but it requires political will. Deliver economic stability, strengthen institutions and include citizens—especially the youth—in shaping the nation’s future. Gambians have made their priorities clear. The question now is whether their leaders are prepared to respond.