By Haddy Touray
Kemo Bojang, deputy party leader for political affairs and media relations of the UNITE Party, has expressed confidence that the party’s leader, Talib Ahmed Bensouda, can defeat President Adama Barrow in The Gambia’s 2026 presidential election.
Speaking in an interview with Star TV, Bojang described Bensouda as the opposition figure best positioned to challenge Barrow, citing his record as mayor of the Kanifing Municipal Council (KMC).
“Talib is the one that is going to end the regime of President Adama Barrow, and Barrow knows that,” Bojang said.
He claimed that Bensouda’s political prospects were being discussed at State House, but provided no evidence to substantiate the assertion.
Bojang acknowledged that Bensouda was not without shortcomings but argued that his record at KMC distinguished him from other local government leaders.
He cited the construction and improvement of facilities for schoolchildren, parks, markets and other public infrastructure as evidence of Bensouda’s performance at the municipal level.
“I am not saying that Talib Bensouda is perfect, but there is no mayor that has done what he has done for the people of KMC,” Bojang remarked.
Bensouda has served as KMC mayor since 2018 and is seeking to translate his municipal experience into broader national support ahead of the 2026 presidential election.
Bojang said the current generation of Gambians had a responsibility to pursue political change, expressing confidence that Bensouda could lead that effort and mount a strong challenge to President Barrow.
He pointed out that UNITE would make the introduction of a two-term-limit for the presidency a priority if elected in 2026.
He said the party would seek a majority in the National Assembly to advance constitutional reforms, including efforts to revive the 2020 draft Constitution.
“Two-term limit is part of UNITE’s goals if we win the elections,” Bojang said. “We believe that if we do elections, we will be able to win and be the majority in Parliament; we will bring term limits, and we will bring the 2020 draft Constitution.”
The 2020 draft Constitution, which included a two-term presidential limit, failed to secure the required support in the National Assembly when lawmakers voted on it.
Bojang said UNITE would also prioritize economic reforms, including measures to address price fluctuations and expand opportunities for young Gambians to participate in the economy.
He said the party would seek to promote competition and support young people to establish businesses and enter the market.
“What you can do is to compete and help the youth so that they can come into the market and venture so that they can be able to tackle the market,” he said.
On education, Bojang said UNITE would seek to strengthen technical and vocational education and training and review the national curriculum as part of its broader reform agenda.
He reiterated the party’s confidence in Bensouda’s prospects, saying UNITE believes its leader has the capacity to win the 2026 presidential election.