By Haddy Touray
The Gambia’s democratic performance has improved in recent years, according to findings from the International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (International IDEA).
This was disclosed during a meeting between President Adama Barrow and peace negotiator Dr Muhammad Ibn Chambas at State House on Tuesday.
International IDEA’s Global State of Democracy assessment says The Gambia’s democratic performance has rapidly improved since 2017, with significant gains over the past five years in credible elections, personal integrity and security, and freedom of expression.
During the meeting, Chambas briefed President Barrow on an initiative by IDEAS to engage political stakeholders ahead of the December 2026 presidential election.
The initiative seeks to promote a conducive environment for a peaceful and credible electoral process, including discussions on a code of conduct for political actors. The group also stressed the importance of working closely with the Independent Electoral Commission to promote peace and stability during the electoral period.
Chambas said the political season should be characterized by a competition of ideas rather than violence, urging political parties, their supporters and citizens to uphold peace and avoid actions that could destabilize the country.
President Barrow welcomed the assessment and said his government remained committed to maintaining an open democratic space. He cited freedom of the press and political debates in the media as elements of the country’s current democratic environment.
The president also pledged to work towards a peaceful and credible election, urging political stakeholders to conduct their campaigns peacefully and allow voters to make their choice.
“At the end, it is the people who decide the winner and loser and we must all accept the people’s verdict,” Barrow said.
He further called on religious leaders, whom he described as trusted figures in society, to continue promoting peaceful coexistence and responsible conduct as the country approaches the elections.
International IDEA’s 2026 Global State of Democracy report places The Gambia in the mid-range across its four main democratic categories and records improvements in several areas since the country’s political transition in 2017.
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