The National People’s Party (NPP) candidate, Mr. Bartholomeh Colley, was declared the winner of the April 26, 2025, Half Die ward councillorship by-election in Banjul South, securing 65.5% of the votes against the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) candidate, Mr. Salieu Jallow, who garnered 34.5%. The by-election, conducted by the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC), followed the vacancy of the seat due to the absence of former Councillor Momodou Bah, as stipulated under the Local Government Act, 2002.
A joint statement by Gambia Participates, the Elections Watch Committee (EWC), and the CSO Coalition on Elections praised the electoral process as transparent, free, and fair, reflecting the will of Half Die’s voters. The groups deployed 15 trained observers across all three polling streams at Banjul Mini Stadium, covering 100% of the voting process.
Key findings highlighted the timely opening of polls, adherence to voting procedures, and the presence of party agents and security personnel, with 25% of polling officers and security personnel being women. No critical incidents were reported, and voter verification was strictly enforced, with indelible ink applied to prevent multiple voting. Accessibility issues for persons with disabilities were noted at one polling station, though assistance was provided.
Despite a voter turnout of 53.3%—lower than the 70% recorded in the 2023 councillorship election—the collation and counting processes were conducted transparently, with results signed by party agents and publicly posted. The final tally showed 918 votes cast out of 1,720 registered voters, with Colley receiving 601 votes and Jallow 317. No invalid votes were recorded.
The civil society groups commended the IEC’s management but urged improvements, including prompt publication of results on the IEC website and more reader-friendly voting instructions. They also called on the National Assembly to prioritize electoral reforms, including the Elections Bill 2020 and a Campaign Financing law to enhance accountability. Recommendations were extended to political parties, the media, security forces, and the National Council for Civic Education to strengthen civic engagement and neutrality.
Gambia Participates, EWC, and the CSO Coalition on Elections reaffirmed their commitment to advancing democratic principles and electoral integrity in The Gambia, emphasizing that free and fair elections are the cornerstone of democracy.
