𝐁𝐚𝐧𝐣𝐮𝐥, 𝟐𝟏𝐬𝐭 𝐉𝐮𝐥𝐲 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔: The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation and Gambians Abroad, Ambassador Lang Yabou, today received the Commonwealth Pre-Election Assessment Mission (PEAM) during a consultation meeting held at the Ministry’s headquarters in Banjul.
The Mission is visiting The Gambia from 18th to 25th July 2026 to assess the prevailing electoral environment and determine the readiness for the deployment of a Commonwealth Observer Group for The Gambia’s General Elections scheduled for 5th December 2026. During the visit, the delegation will also provide technical assistance and capacity-building support to the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) to strengthen electoral management.
The Commonwealth delegation is led by Mrs. Lindiwe Malaleka, Adviser on Electoral Support, and comprises Ms. Musu Kaikai, Political Officer (Africa); and Mrs. Rebecca Scott, Operations Officer, Communications Division.
Welcoming the delegation, Ambassador Yabou underscored the Government of The Gambia’s commitment to democratic governance, credible elections and continued engagement with international partners in strengthening democratic institutions. He reaffirmed the strong and longstanding relationship between The Gambia and the Commonwealth Secretariat, which has continued to deepen since the country’s readmission to the Commonwealth.
Leading the discussions, Mrs. Malaleka explained that the visit forms part of the Commonwealth Secretariat’s standard pre-election engagement with member states ahead of national elections. She briefed the Ministry on the mandate and methodology of the Pre-Election Assessment Mission, noting that its purpose is to assess the prevailing political and electoral environment, engage with a broad range of national stakeholders, and determine whether the conditions exist for the deployment of a Commonwealth Observer Group (COG) for the December 2026 General Elections.
She further explained that, during its visit, the Mission will meet with Government institutions, the Independent Electoral Commission, civil society organizations, development partners and other key stakeholders to assess the electoral environment, ascertain the level of national support for the possible deployment of a Commonwealth Observer Group, and ensure that any observer mission constituted by the Commonwealth Secretary-General would be able to undertake its mandate independently without restriction.
Mrs. Malaleka also highlighted that the Mission would use the opportunity to explain the role and methodology of a Commonwealth Observer Group to national stakeholders, make preliminary organizational preparations for a possible observer deployment, assess additional technical assistance needs, and deliver specialized capacity-building support to the Independent Electoral Commission to further strengthen electoral administration ahead of the December polls.
Responding on behalf of the Government, Ambassador Yabou welcomed the Commonwealth’s continued support for The Gambia’s democratic journey and electoral institutions. He assured the delegation of the Government’s full cooperation and support throughout the Mission’s stay and reaffirmed The Gambia’s commitment to conducting peaceful, transparent, credible and inclusive elections in accordance with its Constitution, national laws and international democratic principles.
The meeting reflects the close partnership between The Gambia and the Commonwealth Secretariat in promoting democracy, good governance, the rule of law and credible electoral processes, as the country continues preparations for the 2026 Elections.
