In a bold and historic announcement, Saikou Sawo and Nenneh Cheyassin Kebe have declared their candidacy for the 2026 Gambian Presidential Elections under the newly formed Golden Era Party (GEP). With a rallying cry of unity, integrity, and prosperity, the duo unveiled their vision to transform The Gambia into a beacon of progress, heralding the nation’s “Golden Era.” Their campaign, launched with fervor, seeks to break the cycle of mismanagement and division, promising a future where every Gambian thrives.
Saikou Sawo, the presidential candidate, took to the stage with a powerful message, addressing a nation at a crossroads. “I am running for President because I believe The Gambia is at a turning point,” Sawo declared. “We must choose between repeating old cycles of mismanagement and mediocrity or rising together to build a nation grounded in integrity, accountability, and opportunity for all.” His words resonated with a crowd weary of decades of unfulfilled promises, as he outlined the GEP’s mission to restore dignity in leadership and rebuild public trust.
The Golden Era Party, founded by Sawo and Kebe, positions itself as a departure from traditional politics, rejecting tribalism, favoritism, and corruption. “For too long, politics in our country has been driven by personal interest, division, and short-term thinking,” Sawo said. “GEP represents a new generation of politics—one that listens to the people, unites all Gambians, and delivers measurable change.” At the heart of their campaign is the “Golden 9 Agenda,” a comprehensive roadmap to national transformation. The agenda prioritizes good governance, education reform, universal healthcare, agricultural modernization, youth and women empowerment, digital transformation, infrastructure development, energy independence, and global branding.
Sawo emphasized that these are not mere slogans but actionable goals backed by policies to drive jobs, investment, and growth. “The Golden Era Party stands for unity,” he said. “We believe The Gambia’s strength lies in our diversity and collective will to build a better future.” He called on Gambians to join a movement prioritizing service over privilege and progress over empty promises. “This is not about power. It is about purpose,” Sawo declared, igniting hope among supporters.
Nenneh Cheyassin Kebe, Sawo’s running mate, echoed his passion, expressing pride in their shared vision. “I’m very proud to be a Gambian and part of this new era,” Kebe said, her voice filled with conviction. She spoke candidly about the frustrations that led her and Sawo to form the GEP. “ Saikou and I got together because we were really frustrated with how things are going,” she said, referencing the economic hardships that affect families and communities. “You go to the market every day, and the prices change. It affects the people around us, and we feel we cannot do it alone.”
Kebe praised Sawo’s integrity and discipline, describing him as a family-oriented leader who embodies the change Gambia needs. “What you see is what you get with him,” she said. “He believes in Gambia and knows that if we all come together, we can change Gambia for the better.” Kebe urged Gambians to unite against division and corruption, emphasizing that the GEP’s vision is one of accountability and inclusivity. “Things may seem dim right now, but we, as Gambians, have to come together to create the change that is needed,” she said. “This new Gambia will be based on accountability and free of corruption.”
The announcement has sparked widespread discussion across The Gambia, with many praising the GEP’s bold vision while others remain cautious, awaiting details on how the party will deliver on its ambitious promises. Political analysts note that Sawo and Kebe face an uphill battle in a landscape dominated by established parties. However, their message of unity and reform resonates with a population frustrated by economic challenges and governance failures.
As the 2026 elections approach, Sawo and Kebe position themselves as champions of a new Gambia—one defined by justice, progress, and prosperity. “This movement is yours,” Sawo told supporters. “Together, we can usher in a Golden Era for every Gambian.”
