Gambiaj.com – (BANJUL, The Gambia) – As conversations surrounding the 2026 presidential election begin to take shape, residents across the Kanifing Municipal Council (KMC) are expressing a growing sense of political uncertainty. While many voters are increasingly vocal about their disillusionment with the current administration, a clear alternative has yet to capture the public’s full confidence.
A vox pop conducted among Serrekunda market women, students, and commercial drivers reveals a recurring theme: voters are becoming more certain about who they will not support, even as they remain undecided on who deserves their mandate.
“I know who I’m not voting for, but honestly, I don’t yet know who I should vote for,” said Lamin Saidy, a commercial driver in KMC. “I want someone who understands the cost of living and speaks directly to the youth.”
At the bustling Serrekunda Market, the economic reality is the primary lens through which politics is viewed. Traders pointed to the daily struggle with inflation as the ultimate factor that will determine their choice at the ballot box.
“Business is hard, prices are high, and customers complain every day,” shared Awa Kanyi, a market vendor. “Whoever wants our votes must demonstrate exactly how they will make life easier for ordinary people.”
This shift is also evident among the youth. For many students, the era of blind party loyalty appears to be waning in favor of issue-based politics.
Mariama Jarju, a student, noted that she is no longer moved by rhetoric. “I’m not interested in empty promises anymore,” she said. “I want to see clear plans for jobs, education, and accountability. Until then, I’m still watching.”
Taxi drivers, often viewed as the barometers of public opinion due to their constant engagement with commuters, describe a mood of growing skepticism.
Ebrima Darboe, a veteran driver, observed that while the desire for change is palpable, passengers are cautious. “Most passengers say the same thing: they want change, but they’re not yet convinced the alternatives are ready,” Darboe explained.
Across these diverse groups, the cost of living, youth unemployment, and a lack of confidence in leadership emerged as the three pillars of the 2026 debate. Crucially, several participants noted that no opposition candidate or party has yet filled the vacuum or presented a platform compelling enough to win their early endorsement.
With the election on the horizon, the sentiment in KMC suggests a sophisticated and demanding electorate. As political parties begin to position themselves, they will face a constituency that is waiting for clear policy proposals rather than traditional political posturing.
