The Gambia: Political elites and electricity crisis shape election outlook

As the December 2026 presidential election approaches in The Gambia, political discourse is increasingly focused on the influence of well-connected elites and domestic service failures.

Essa Dampha, a member of the governing National People’s Party (NPP), has addressed public discontent regarding persistent electricity shortages, high living costs, and unemployment. While acknowledging that the electricity situation has fallen short of expectations, Dampha maintains that President Adama Barrow remains popular enough to secure reelection. He cited improvements in road networks and rural electricity access as evidence of the administration's progress.

Simultaneously, observers have noted the repositioning of influential figures such as Essa Mbye Faal, Pa Edi M. O. Faal, and Papa Faal within the political landscape. This movement is being characterized by some as a return to an old political culture defined by elite connections and proximity to power, which has historically shaped Gambian governance and access to state institutions.