Political Analyst Juwara Predicts Tough Presidential Race for Barrow

By Makutu Manneh

Political analyst Lamin Juwara has predicted a closely contested presidential election on December 5, warning that President Adama Barrow faces a difficult re-election battle amid shifting political dynamics.

Speaking on Kerr Fatou’s Politic Kaacha show, Mr. Juwara said the upcoming election would be far from an easy victory for the incumbent, suggesting that the president himself appeared increasingly aware of the challenges ahead.

Mr. Juwara pointed to President Barrow’s recent Meet the People Tour, particularly his engagements in the Kombo area, as evidence of what he described as growing unease within the president’s political camp.

According to the analyst, changes in crowd turnout during the Kombo meetings appeared to influence the president’s demeanor and rhetoric, marking a departure from his approach during earlier engagements in the provinces.

“While President Barrow maintained the same pattern of language during his engagements in the provinces where he enjoyed stable turnouts, the shift in Kombo was noticeable,” Mr. Juwara said.

He argued that the president’s tone and choice of words during the Kombo meetings suggested discomfort with the changing political landscape and the prospect of a more competitive election.

Mr. Juwara also dismissed President Barrow’s earlier declaration that he would not personally campaign for the 2026 election, leaving the responsibility to his ministers.

He characterized the statement as political rhetoric intended to project confidence rather than a realistic campaign strategy.

The analyst maintained that President Barrow would need to actively engage voters and lead his re-election campaign on the ground if he hoped to secure another term.

He warned that relying solely on ministers and party officials to mobilize support could prove politically costly, particularly in what he expects to be a closely fought election.

Mr. Juwara said the president could face an unfavorable outcome on December 5 if he failed to personally campaign and respond to the evolving political dynamics.