The year 1999 marked a major turning point in Nigeria’s history. This period marked the end of long military dominance of 15 years and ushered in the beginning of the fourth republic. The year 1999 marked a major turning point in Nigeria’s history.
Gambia
Gambia’s politics are characterized by a challenging democratic transition, with the country working to move past decades of authoritarian rule and build stronger democratic institutions. Following the 2016-2017 presidential election, a New Gambia emerged with significant improvements in free expression, credible elections, and personal security under President Adama Barrow, though democratic performance remains mid-range overall. The political landscape is marked by ongoing efforts in constitutional reform, transitional justice, and tackling issues of public accountability, such as alleged corruption and coup attempts, while navigating the complexities of its small state size.
2.76M+
Population
100:99.11
Men-Women Ratio
8.6%
Women Representation
Overview
The Gambia, officially the Republic of The Gambia, gained its independence from British colonial rule on 18 February 1965.
• Political System and Transitions
The country’s 1970 constitution, established under President Sir Dawda Jawara, introduced a multi-party system. This system was suspended by a military coup in 1994. A new constitution, promulgated in 1997, restored a presidential republic with a unicameral legislature.
From 1994 until 2016, President Yahya Jammeh governed the country. In the 2016 election, he was defeated at the ballot box, and power was transferred peacefully in early 2017. Since then, Adama Barrow has served as president.
• Current Governance and Elections
The Gambia is a presidential republic with a directly elected president who serves as both head of state and government. The legislative branch is a 53-member National Assembly, with an additional five nominated seats.
Elections for the president and the National Assembly are held by universal suffrage every five years. Local government elections are held on a separate cycle. The country’s 1997 Constitution provides for multi-party competition and an independent elections body.
A notable feature of the electoral system is its use of marble voting, where each voter drops a marble into a candidate’s drum. This system is designed for transparency and accessibility.
Upcoming Elections
August 21, 2025
Presidential Election
Scheduled
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August 21, 2025
Presidential Election
Scheduled
The year 1999 marked a major turning point in Nigeria’s history. This period marked the end of long military dominance of 15 years and ushered in the beginning of the fourth republic. The year 1999 marked a major turning point in Nigeria’s history.
Learn more
August 21, 2025
Presidential Election
Scheduled
The year 1999 marked a major turning point in Nigeria’s history. This period marked the end of long military dominance of 15 years and ushered in the beginning of the fourth republic. The year 1999 marked a major turning point in Nigeria’s history.
Learn more
Participation Metrics
• Voter Turnout: Generally very high by African standards. In the 2021 presidential election turnout was 859,567 out of 962,157 registered (89.34%). The second-highest on record (2001 was ~89.83%). By contrast, turnout was only ~59% in 2016. The local election of 2023 also saw turnout around 89% in the major cities.
• Registered Voters: There were about 962,157 registered voters in late 2021, up from ~886,000 in 2016. Voter rolls are updated by the IEC between elections.
• Age/Youth: The Gambia has a very young population (median age ~17.8 years). Voters aged 18–35 comprise roughly 57–58% of registered voters (Activista Gambia reports that about 58% of registered voters were aged 18–35, and 70% of the population is under 35.) Youth turnout is often high, partly due to spirited civic mobilization.
• Gender: Women make up about 50.4% of the population and ~57% of registered voters. However, women’s political representation is low. In 2021 none of the six presidential candidates was female, and only about 10% of National Assembly members were women. (The IEC’s voter registration statistics indicate women generally register to vote at rates slightly higher than men.)
• Other Groups: Persons with disabilities, youth, and other groups are targeted for inclusion (e.g. priority at polling stations) but remain under-represented. The 1997 Constitution guarantees equality and calls for inclusion of women, youth and PWDs, though implementation is ongoing.
Key Electoral Institutions
Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) and Observer Groups
These are not formal government institutions but they play a crucial role in monitoring and reporting electoral irregularities. They also conduct political education and advocate for clearer electoral reforms.
Contact Information
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The Supreme Court of Nigeria
The Nigerian Court plays an important role in the country’s electoral processes by ensuring justce, fairness during and after elections. This cort is the highest and final court of appeal in Nigeria. Once the court delivers a judgement on an election matter, no addittional legal process is possible. Also, the courts interprets the provision of the electoral acts as codified in the 1999 constitution (as amended).
Contact Information
- Headquarters: Plot 436 Zambezi Crescent Maitama District FCT, Abuja, Nigeria
- Mailing Address: PMB 0184 Garki FCT, Abuja, Nigeria.
- Hotline: 0700-CALL-INEC (0700-2255-4632)

- Email: iccc@inec.gov.ng
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State Independent Electoral Commissions (SIECs)
This commission operates at the state level to conduct local government elections within each state. They are accountable to state governments. However, the structure of SIECs varies across states.
Contact Information
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Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC)
This is the primary body in Nigeria that manages and coordinates natinal and state electoral processes. INEC was established by the 1999 constitution to supervise presidential, national assembly, governorship and state assembly elections; monitor pilitcal party activities and their finances: accredit observers and parties. INEC is headed by a Chairman and National Commissioner that is appointed by the president and approved the the senate.
Contact Information
- Headquarters: Plot 436 Zambezi Crescent Maitama District FCT, Abuja, Nigeria
- Mailing Address: PMB 0184 Garki FCT, Abuja, Nigeria.
- Hotline: 0700-CALL-INEC (0700-2255-4632)

- Email: iccc@inec.gov.ng
Visit Website
Electoral Laws & Policies
• The Constitution of The Gambia (1997) – guarantees universal suffrage, voting rights, and outlines electoral framework (e.g. Article 50 onwards on elections). https://www.lawhubgambia.com/1997-constitution ,
https://www.constituteproject.org/constitution/Gambia_2004.pdf?lang=en
• Elections Act (Cap. 3:01) – the primary electoral law for parliamentary elections (originally the 1963 Act, now codified) https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5a7c2ca18a02c7a46149331c/t/5be96c700e2e721437b1659e/1542024527254/GM1963ElectionAct.pdf .
• Campaign Ethics Code (1985) – Election Code on Campaign Ethics (Cap. 3:01) sets rules for campaign behavior (e.g. no hate speech, bribery). https://iec.gm/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Code-of-Conduct-for-Political-Parties.pdf ,
• Election Petition Rules (1976) – procedural rules for contesting election results.
• Elections (Amendment) Act, 2017 – key recent amendment. Passed 28 Feb 2017 and in effect 8 March 2017, it reduced candidate nomination fees dramatically (e.g. presidential fee from D250,000 to D50,000). This followed earlier increases in 2015. https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5a7c2ca18a02c7a46149331c/t/5a845c18f9619a4e1b208db2/1518623770492/Election+Amendment+Act.pdf
• 1996 AFPRC Elections Decree – (promulgated by the military government) – governed the 1996 elections and remains in force law.
Accredited Election Monitoring Organizations
Recent Election Publication
News & Updates
Gambia
Worst Election Recorded in the whole world. #5
Observe West Africa is a youth-led, civic-driven platform dedicated to promoting transparent and inclusive elections across West Africa.
Gambia
Worst Election Recorded in the whole world. #4
Observe West Africa is a youth-led, civic-driven platform dedicated to promoting transparent and inclusive elections across West Africa.
How To Monitor Elections In