By Seedy Jobe
Political analyst Essa Njie has called on opposition parties to unite and strategically capitalize on the recent CepRass survey, which indicates a challenging electoral landscape for the ruling party in the upcoming presidential election.
The survey, published last week, highlights significant public dissatisfaction with the current administration, suggesting a window of opportunity for opposition candidates.
“As Gambians prepare to elect a president in December, it is crucial for the opposition to take advantage of the CepRass survey results, which actually favor them and not the ruling party,” Njie said.
He pointed to low public confidence in the government despite claims of infrastructural development and rural electrification expansion. “Only 46% (less than 50%) said the NPP alliance is likely to win, and only 34% said they intend to vote for Barrow. All the indicators, from the economy to job creation, trust issues, and the general governance landscape, show citizens have no confidence in the Barrow administration.”Njie noted.
Njie emphasized the strategic importance of a united opposition. Stating, “If the opposition are strategic in their approach, especially around a united opposition coalition, there is no way that Barrow can win the polls in December,” he said.
He further suggested that even a three-way race, featuring a strong UDP candidate and a third force appealing to voters dissatisfied with both the ruling coalition and the UDP, could produce an “electoral upset” for Barrow. Conversely, Njie warned that a fragmented opposition would likely guarantee another term for the incumbent.
He concluded with a call to action for opposition parties: “I hope the opposition takes advantage of the findings and realizes that the current administration has a high disapproval rate among Gambians and should be shown the exit door in December,” he concluded.
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