The United Democratic Party (UDP) has claimed a triumphant win in the fiercely contested Massembeh Ward by-election. A statement from the Administrative Secretary for Media and Communication, Tombong Saidy, hails the victory as a powerful testament to grassroots democracy in The Gambia. UDP candidate Bakary S. Jarju secured the councilor seat with 700 votes (57.7%), decisively defeating Lamin Jarju of the ruling National People’s Party (NPP), who garnered 513 votes (42.3%).
In a statement titled “UDP Triumphs in Massembeh Ward,” Saidy emphasized that the win reflects the electorate’s rejection of the NPP’s aggressive campaign tactics, which reportedly involved significant state resources and substantial financial outlays. “The UDP’s success sends a clear message: financial muscle and state machinery cannot eclipse genuine community engagement,” Saidy declared, celebrating the party’s ability to mobilize voters despite these challenges.
The by-election, held across four polling stations in Massembeh Ward, showcased UDP’s dominance in three key areas. At Massembeh Polling Station, Bakary S. Jarju clinched 245 votes to Lamin Jarju’s 176. Kolior Polling Station delivered a landslide for the UDP with 269 votes against the NPP’s 46, while Jomarr Polling Station saw the UDP take 181 votes to the NPP’s 80. The NPP managed a single stronghold at Toranka Bantang Polling Station, where Lamin Jarju won 211 votes to Bakary’s 5.
Saidy praised the UDP campaign’s disciplined strategy, which leaned heavily on house-to-house outreach, local rallies, and a focus on pressing community issues like clean water, farm access roads, and education. “This victory is not just Bakary S. Jarju’s but a collective triumph for every volunteer, organizer, and resident who stood firm against undue influence,” he said.
The UDP framed the result as a broader signal of opposition resilience in rural Gambia, accusing the NPP of relying on “empty promises” and incumbency advantages that failed to sway voters. Saidy expressed confidence that the win would galvanize UDP supporters nationwide, positioning it as a “blueprint” for future electoral battles against the ruling party.
Councillor-elect Bakary S. Jarju, a native of Massembeh village, was celebrated as a symbol of the party’s deep community ties. The statement also paid tribute to the late Councillor Bakary Korita, with Saidy noting, “The soul of the councilor is smiling in heaven. May his soul rest in peace.”
“The people have spoken—loudly and clearly,” Saidy concluded, extending congratulations to Jarju and the UDP faithful. As the party prepares for the councilor’s tenure, the Massembeh victory stands as a bold statement of intent from The Gambia’s leading opposition force.
While official results await confirmation from electoral authorities, the unofficial figures have fueled optimism among party members and supporters at the UDP headquarters.
The election in Massembeh Ward has drawn attention as a key indicator of local political sentiment. The UDP faces stiff competition from the NPP party, which is vying for influence in the region.
Residents expressed mixed reactions, some praising the UDP’s grassroots efforts while others urged caution until the official results were certified.
Electoral officials have yet to comment on the timeline for final confirmation, but the UDP’s bold declaration has already set the stage for a charged political atmosphere in Massembeh Ward.
