The Independent Electoral Commission on Thursday formally registered three new political parties, bringing the number of recognized parties in The Gambia to 27 as the country prepares for the 5 December presidential election.
In separate press statements dated 17 September 2026 and signed by Chairman Joseph Colley, the IEC said the National Builders Party (NBP), the Gambia Labor Party (GLP) and the National Democratic Party (NDP) had fulfilled the requirements of section 106 of the Elections Act 2025 and were now bona fide political parties.
The National Builders Party is led by Ansu Sanneh, with its secretariat in Salagi Layout. Its colors are maroon at the top and teal at the bottom; its symbol is an elephant and a caterpillar; and its motto is “Think Big, Build Big.”
Bakusa Dukureh heads the Gambia Labor Party from Brufut Turntable. It uses black as its color, a rice field as its symbol, and the motto “Create Jobs, Create Work.”
The National Democratic Party, led by Kebba Bojang with offices in Farato, adopted sky blue at the top, sea green in the middle, and white at the bottom. Its symbol is a circle containing a hoe and axe, two birds facing each other, a finger pointing upward, and bold NDP letters. Its motto is “A voice for change and putting the people first.”
The registrations come weeks after the IEC told stakeholders that three parties had completed the process and would be named once clearance was finished. There were previously 24 registered parties. Earlier this year, several groups, including the NDP, had applications returned for revision after failing to meet signature, constitutional or other statutory tests.
Registration entitles the parties to sponsor candidates, use official symbols and colors, and enjoy the legal protections reserved for recognized parties. Nomination for the presidency opens in November. The new groups now join an already crowded field as campaigns intensify.
The IEC continues preparations for the December poll while revising courts complete their work. All three parties must still observe the Commission’s campaign ethics code and submit audited accounts as required by law.
