By Alieu Ceesay and Momodou Gagigo
Voting commenced this morning in Kaiaf Ward, one of the smallest wards in the Kiang region, as eligible residents turned out in large numbers to elect a new councillor for the Mansakonko Area Council. The by-election, overseen by the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC), fills the vacancy left by the tragic death of NPP Councillor Hamat Ceesay, who died on November 8, 2025, after being struck by lightning while working on his farm.
The contest pits two candidates from the country’s major political forces: Omar Touray of the ruling National People’s Party (NPP) and Sulayman Sanneh of the opposition United Democratic Party (UDP). Polls opened at 8:00 a.m. GMT and are scheduled to close at 4:00 p.m., with results to be announced by the IEC in accordance with electoral laws.
Kaiaf Ward, located within the UDP stronghold of Kiang East Constituency, which has a UDP parliamentary representative, has historically leaned toward the opposition. However, the councillor seat was held by the NPP under the late Hamat Ceesay, making this by-election a closely watched battle between the two dominant parties ahead of the 2026 presidential elections.
For many residents, particularly women and youths, the vote transcends party lines and centers on tangible grassroots development. Natives of voting age, including those living in urban areas like Kombo, have returned home in significant numbers to participate, underscoring the ward’s tight-knit community ties and high stakes.
Kutubo Gassama, a youth from Kaif village who traveled from Kombo to cast his ballot, emphasized development as his primary motivation. These candidates are from this ward. They know what we need as natives,” he told reporters. “That is what we expect them to work on in collaboration with the Regional chairman—that’s why I am voting.”
Ebrima Janko Joof highlighted infrastructure needs, stating: “The development we want is the construction of feeder roads in our ward. Our feeder roads really need improvement; that’s my number one priority for which I’m voting in this election.”
Youth concerns also focused on empowerment and recreation. Abdoulie Yague called for skills training centers, improved recreational facilities, better sports infrastructure—particularly upgrading the local football field—and a reliable portable water supply. “We need skills and vocational centers,” he said. “Our community boreholes need improvement as well.”
Women, despite the absence of female candidates in the race, voiced strong demands for greater support. Bintou Boto Gassama stressed the need for enhanced livelihoods: “Women need a lot of support to keep our families alive and healthy. This is our garden that needs a proper water supply for our vegetables. We need a good marketplace for our crops.” She also urged community awareness campaigns against irregular migration, known locally as the “back-way,” amid rising losses of young lives.
The atmosphere at polling stations remained calm and peaceful throughout the day, reflecting the community’s commitment to a smooth process. As one of several recent council by-elections in the Mansakonko Area Council, this vote serves as a barometer for local priorities and party strength in the Lower River Region.
Whoever emerges victorious will face the challenge of uniting residents and advancing development in a ward where needs—from road connectivity to water access, youth engagement, and women’s economic support—are urgent and widely shared.
The IEC has urged all stakeholders to respect the outcome, as the new councillor will play a pivotal role in addressing these community aspirations in the lead-up to national elections later in 2026.
