By: Fatou Krubally
The National Alliance for Accelerated Advancement (NAFAA) has called on the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) to organise a by-election in Portuguese Town Ward of the Banjul City Council following the death of Councillor Abdoulie “Boss” Gaye.
NAFAA Interim President Ousainou Allen said the ward has remained without representation for more than three months since the councillor’s passing on 2 March 2026, describing the delay as a concern for democratic governance.
He said the continued vacancy weakens local representation and raises questions over compliance with provisions of the Local Government Act.
Allen cited Section 19(1)(a) of the Local Government Act, which provides that a councillor’s seat becomes vacant upon death, and Section 23, which states that a by-election “shall” be held within two months, except in specific circumstances.
He also referenced Section 193 of the Constitution, which requires that local government councils be based on democratically elected representation.
According to him, the absence of a councillor has left residents of Portuguese Town Ward without direct representation in council decision-making processes, including budgeting and development planning.
Allen further noted previous by-elections conducted by the IEC in Mansakonko Area Council and Banjul’s Half Die Ward as examples of restoring representation following similar vacancies.
He called on the IEC to announce a by-election timetable for the ward, saying it would ensure compliance with the law and restore representation for residents of Portuguese Town Ward.