Ebenezer Adurokiya, Reporting
THE Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), through its Directorate of Political Affairs, is dispatching a pre-election assessment mission to Banjul, The Gambia, from 14 to 21 June 2026, in collaboration with the African Union (AU) and the United Nations Office for West Africa and the Sahel (UNOWAS).
The high-level technical team is tasked with evaluating the West African nation’s preparedness for the presidential election scheduled for 5 December 2026, and with identifying potential confidence-building measures to ensure a free, transparent, and credible electoral process.
The mission is jointly led by Mr Kwadwo Afari-Gyan, former Chair of Ghana’s Electoral Commission, and Mr Babatunde Tolu Afolabi, ECOWAS Director of Political Affairs. The AU delegation is headed by Mr Samuel Atuobi, while UNOWAS is represented by Ms Falmata Liman, Political Adviser.
According to a statement from the ECOWAS Commission, the mission will conduct a comprehensive review of the legal, constitutional, and institutional frameworks governing Gambian elections. It will also assess the dynamics of political coexistence between state institutions and political actors, while identifying potential risks and early warning signs that could affect the electoral environment.
The engagement comes as The Gambia continues its democratic transition following decades of authoritarian rule. The December presidential poll will be a critical test of the country’s electoral maturity and institutional resilience.
The joint ECOWAS-AU-UNOWAS initiative reflects a coordinated regional and international effort to support stable and inclusive elections in member states. The mission’s findings are expected to inform subsequent technical assistance and diplomatic engagement leading up to polling day.
No direct quotes were available from the mission leaders at the time of reporting, but the composition of the team—featuring seasoned electoral experts and senior diplomats—underscores the importance attached to The Gambia’s electoral process by regional and international stakeholders.
The mission is scheduled to conclude its work on 21 June, after which it will brief ECOWAS leadership and relevant partners on its preliminary observations and recommendations.
