By Makutu Manneh
Talib Ahmed Bensouda, Mayor of the Kanifing Municipal Council (KMC), has described the ruling National People’s Party’s (NPP) victories in the Foni Bantanjang and Kaiaf ward by-elections as a clear indication that the party should not be underestimated.
Speaking in an interview on Thursday with Gambia Talents TV, Mayor Bensouda said the outcome of the by-elections underscores the importance of taking incumbency seriously and recognising the lengths to which a ruling party is willing to go to secure electoral victories.
“It is a sign of what people are willing to do especially the incumbent to win elections. So I think one thing that is apparent is that an incumbent should never be underestimated. They are in power and have the resources and institutional reach and influence,” he said.
He noted that incumbency alone can present a significant advantage, citing himself as an example. According to the mayor, even if he were to seek another term under a different party affiliation, defeating him would be difficult because of the advantages associated with holding office.
However, Mayor Bensouda cautioned against attaching too much weight to by-election results, arguing that they do not necessarily reflect broader public sentiment. He described by-elections as unusually challenging and unrepresentative due to their isolated nature.
“By-elections are very difficult because it is lonely. Imagine there are 120 wards and 54 constituencies and it is the only election going on,” he said. “You will see state ministers and party leaders campaigning, so it is not a real result based on sentiment, it usually comes down to resources because it is such a lonely election.”
He added that even a popular and well-liked candidate can lose a by-election if they lack strong financial backing, noting that inducement can play a decisive role.
Mayor Bensouda further argued that the majority of Gambians do not support President Adama Barrow or the NPP. He said this reality places a responsibility on opposition parties to act strategically.
“This is where the decision of the opposition comes in. So when you have the opposition divided, the anti-government vote with our simple majority system gives the incumbent an advantage.”
He concluded by reiterating his view that most Gambians do not support the current government, adding that many do not want President Barrow to seek a third term in office.
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