Gambia opposition leaders address economic concerns ahead of 2026 election

Opposition leaders in The Gambia are shaping their strategies ahead of the December 2026 presidential election, focusing on economic concerns and voter blocs.

United Democratic Party leader Ousainu Darboe warned that re-electing President Adama Barrow could lead to further economic instability. During a fundraiser at Serrekunda Market, he criticized the administration for rising business costs, currency fluctuations, and government borrowing, urging youth and market vendors to vote for economic change.

Meanwhile, National Unity Party leader Lamin J. Darboe highlighted the influence of independent voters, noting they could serve as a decisive bloc in a tightly contested race. He also addressed the political Memorandum of Understanding between the UMC and NUP, clarifying that such agreements are political understandings rather than legally binding contracts, though the alliance has yet to resolve questions regarding its presidential flagbearer.