Photo credit: WhatsonGambia
By Sadia
A new opinion poll by CepRess, released yesterday, has revealed a sharp decline in support for both President Adama Barrow and opposition leader Ousainou Darboe, while highlighting growing backing for Banjul Mayor Talib Bensouda ahead of the 2026 presidential election.
According to the survey, 60% of Gambians said they would not vote for President Barrow if he contests again, and 55% believe he should not even run. Opposition leader Ousainou Darboe face similar rejection, with 59% saying he should not run and just 18% willing to vote for him.
The poll also asked who should succeed Darboe as leader of the United Democratic Party (UDP).
44% of respondents chose Talib Bensouda, followed by 13% for Yankuba Darboe and 5% for Rohey Malick Lowe.
In addition, 55% of Gambians said Talib should run for president in 2026.
When asked who has the best chance of winning the 2026 presidential election, respondents ranked:Barrow – 31%Bensouda – 18%Darboe – 12%Essa Faal – 3%Other candidates – 3%Undecided – 29%The findings suggest that while President Barrow still leads in perceived chances of winning, a large undecided bloc of 29% could determine the outcome.
The CepRess survey paints a picture of an electorate dissatisfied with the current political heavyweights, with rising calls for younger leaders to take charge as the country heads toward the 2026 polls.
