The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has deployed a high-level pre-electoral fact-finding mission to the Republic of The Gambia as part of efforts to support preparations for the country’s presidential election scheduled for December 5, 2026.
The mission, which runs from June 14 to June 21, 2026, is being conducted through ECOWAS’ Directorate of Political Affairs in collaboration with the African Union (AU) and the United Nations Office for West Africa and the Sahel (UNOWAS).
Leading the ECOWAS delegation are former Chairman of Ghana’s Electoral Commission, Kwadwo Afari-Gyan, and Director of Political Affairs at ECOWAS, Babatunde Tolu Afolabi. The African Union team is headed by Samuel Atuobi, while UNOWAS is represented by Political Adviser Falmata Liman.
According to ECOWAS, the mission is designed to evaluate the level of preparedness for the upcoming presidential election and identify measures that could strengthen confidence among political actors, institutions and citizens. The exercise also seeks to ensure that the electoral process is conducted in a free, transparent and credible manner.
During their stay in Banjul, members of the delegation are expected to engage with key stakeholders, including government officials, electoral authorities, political parties, civil society organisations and security agencies.
The team will assess the legal, constitutional and institutional frameworks guiding the electoral process, while also examining the state of political coexistence among competing actors and institutions. In addition, the mission will identify potential risks, tensions and early warning signs that could affect the conduct of the election.
ECOWAS noted that the findings and recommendations from the mission will help shape future interventions by regional and international partners aimed at promoting peaceful, democratic and credible elections in The Gambia.
The deployment reflects ECOWAS’ continued commitment to supporting democratic governance, electoral integrity and political stability across West Africa as member states prepare for key electoral exercises.
