Former Gambian ambassador Essa Bokarr Sey has officially entered the race for the 2026 presidential elections, marking a significant moment in the country’s political landscape. Sey, who once represented The Gambia in France, Taiwan, and the United States, is stepping into the spotlight just as debate over the country’s new draft constitution intensifies.
The draft, originally rejected by the National Assembly in 2020, has been at the center of a five-year impasse. In August 2024, the government introduced a revised version, now referred to by many as the “Barrow Constitution.”
However, the updated draft is facing criticism from opposition parties and civil society groups. Their main concern? The document does not clearly state whether the proposed presidential term limits will apply to President Adama Barrow himself—a point that many believe is central to democratic accountability.
As the 2026 elections approach, the battle over constitutional clarity and leadership legitimacy is expected to shape the political conversation across the country.
