Gambiaj.com – (Banjul, The Gambia) – Opposition parties have raised concerns over reported restrictions on political activities in the Greater Banjul Area,Banjul,l and West Coast Region as President Adama Barrow continues his 2026 Meet the People tour.
The UNITE coalition and the National Democratic Party (NDP) separately criticized decisions attributed to the Gambia Police Force, questioning whether opposition parties are being afforded equal opportunities to conduct political activities ahead of the December 5 presidential election.
The President’s 19-day Meet the People tour began on October 1 and is scheduled to conclude in Banjul on October 19, with general meetings, project visits, and inaugurations forming part of the program.
UNITE Questions Legal Basis
UNITE leader Talib Bensouda said on Wednesday that police had informed the coalition that no political parties would be allowed to hold rallies or related activities in the Kanifing Municipality, Banjul, and West Coast Region during the President’s tour.
Mr Bensouda said the restriction raised “serious constitutional concerns,” arguing that although the President’s tour is provided for under Section 222(15) of the Constitution, this does not automatically permit restrictions on the right to peaceful assembly and political expression protected under Section 25.
“Any restriction must have a lawful basis, be necessary and proportionate, and be applied fairly,” Mr Bensouda said.
He called on the authorities to clarify the legal basis for the decision and ensure that the tour does not affect equal political freedoms or fair democratic competition.
NDP Challenges Permit Refusal
Earlier on Wednesday, the NDP also condemned what it described as the reported refusal by the police to grant the party permission to proceed with its Regional Bureaus Inauguration Tour, scheduled for Thursday, October 15.
The party said the programme was due to begin at 12pm, while President Barrow was scheduled to undertake an activity at 5pm the same day.
The NDP questioned why the two events, being scheduled at different times, should prevent the opposition party from carrying out its program.
The party said it was particularly concerned if the President’s schedule was the basis for the refusal, arguing that political rights should not depend on the activities or convenience of another political actor.
“These rights are not privileges reserved exclusively for the incumbent government or the ruling party; they must be respected equally for opposition parties and their supporters,” the NDP said.
The party called for a clear explanation of the decision and a fair reconsideration of its permit request.
Growing Political Tensions
The statements come as political activity intensifies ahead of the December presidential election, with President Barrow’s nationwide tour bringing him into direct engagements with communities across the country. The tour has included general meetings where residents engage the President and government officials on development and local concerns.
Both UNITE and the NDP stressed that their objections were centered on equal political rights and the ability of opposition parties to organize peacefully.
The NDP said it remained committed to “peaceful political engagement, national development, and the democratic aspirations of the Gambian people,” while calling for political tolerance, accountability, and equal treatment under the law.
The police have not, in the statements provided, publicly explained the legal basis for the reported restrictions or responded to the concerns raised by the two parties.
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