The political system of The Gambia combines presidential government, legislative oversight, courts and elected representation. The President serves as Head of State, Head of Government and Commander-in-Chief under the 1997 Constitution. The National Assembly makes laws, while the courts perform judicial functions. Public responsibilities are also shared with regional administration, local councils and other public bodies. Elections determine who receives elected political authority. The Independent Electoral Commission administers public elections and referendums. Voters choose the President directly for a five-year term, National Assembly representatives in single-member constituencies and local government representatives. Presidential candidates need more than half of valid votes in the first ballot; otherwise, a second ballot takes place within 14 days. National Assembly elections use plurality voting for 53 elected seats, with five additional members nominated by the President. State institutions and elections answer different questions. State institutions explain where authority is located and how public functions are carried out. Elections determine which officeholders and representatives receive a mandate from voters. Voter registration, the Voting Card and the assigned polling station connect electoral participation with the country’s institutional system.
Politics in Gambia
Politics in The Gambia concerns how public authority is organized, exercised and renewed through state institutions and elections. The country is a presidential republic, meaning that the President leads both the state and the government. National institutions, regional administration, local councils and public elections all shape how political decisions are made.
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