Banjul, The Gambia — The Gambia’s political landscape is entering a new phase after President Adama Barrow’s National People’s Party (NPP) strengthened its alliance with Mamma Kandeh’s Gambia Democratic Congress (GDC) ahead of the December 2026 presidential election.

The alliance is being closely watched because Kandeh has traditionally maintained support in parts of the country, including areas of the Upper River Region. Political observers say the partnership could help consolidate votes for Barrow and alter the balance of power ahead of the presidential poll.

The development comes as opposition parties continue efforts to build a united challenge to the incumbent. The opposition landscape has faced disagreements over coalition arrangements, with the United Democratic Party (UDP) previously rejecting proposed coalition rules.

With the presidential election scheduled for December 5, 2026, the latest alliance could make voter mobilisation, regional support and opposition coordination increasingly important in the coming months.

The political race is therefore expected to intensify as Gambian parties position themselves for one of the country’s most closely watched elections in recent years.