The ruling National People’s Party (NPP) has received formal congratulations from the United Democratic Party (UDP) for winning back-to-back seats in today’s Mansakonko Area Council by-elections in Kaiaf and Bantanjang Ward.
The UDP recognized the NPP’s victory in both wards, where NPP candidates Omar Touray (Kaiaf) and Abdoulie Badjie (Bantanjang) won seats previously held or contested in an area long regarded as competitive, in an official statement issued by its Media & Communications Team.
The statement said,We extend our congratulations to the National People’s Party on their victory in the Kaiaf and Bantanjang Ward Councilor by-elections,” the statement read. “We commend the people of Kaiaf and Bantanjang for peacefully exercising their democratic right to vote and for their continued participation in strengthening local governance and democracy in The Gambia.”
Despite their contested nature, the UDP characterized the elections as a positive representation of the nation’s democratic process. The party underlined its continued dedication to accountable governance, positive political participation, and policies that enhance the well-being of all Gambians.
Despite admitting loss, the opposing party expressed optimism for the future and wished the newly elected councilors luck in their positions. “We wish the elected councilors well in the discharge of their responsibilities and urge them to serve their communities with integrity, transparency, and dedication to development,” the statement continued.
Additionally, the UDP indicated that it would continue to prioritize grassroots involvement while internally evaluating the outcomes. It declared, “The UDP will continue to engage with the electorate, reflect on the outcome of the elections, and work tirelessly in the interest of the Gambian people,” it affirmed.
Ahead of the 2026 presidential elections, the two victories provide the NPP a significant boost in the Lower River Region, especially in wards where the UDP has traditionally had high support. The results of today’s elections come after the vacancies left in Bantanjang by relevant electoral circumstances and in Kaiaf by the untimely death of former NPP Councillor Hamat Ceesay in November 2025.
