By Makutu Manneh
The Gambia’s political landscape grew more crowded on Thursday, as the country’s Independent Electoral Commission announced the registration of two additional parties — the Gambian People’s Advancement Party (GPAP) and the Alliance of Progressive Citizens (APC) — bringing the total number of registered political parties to 22 ahead of the 2026 presidential election.
“We are expecting more registrations later on,” Pa Makan Khan, the commission’s public relations officer, said in a phone interview with Kerr Fatou.
In separate statements, the commission confirmed that both parties had met the requirements for registration under Section 105 of the Elections Act of 2009, as amended.
The Gambian People’s Advancement Party is led by Dr. Papa Faal, who serves as both secretary general and party leader. The party’s colors are royal purple and sky blue, and its symbol features millet stalks and a groundnut plant. The party’s motto, according to the commission’s release, is “Dignity, Justice and Compassion.” Its headquarters is located in Sinchu Alagie.
The Independent Electoral Commission concluded its announcement by reaffirming its commitment to “upholding transparency, inclusiveness, and fairness” in the country’s political process.
The registration of new political movements underscores the increasingly competitive nature of Gambian politics as the 2026 election approaches, with established and emerging figures alike preparing to test their appeal in the post-Jammeh democratic era.