NYP Elections: Three Candidates Rejected, Eleven Run Unopposed

NYP Elections Committee © NYP Social Media

By Haddy Ceesay

As the National Youth Parliament (NYP) gears up for its upcoming elections, members held a press conference at their office in Serrekunda to update the public on the electoral process and underscore the initiative’s significance. Our review of the nomination list highlights that at least eleven candidates will be contesting unopposed, while another three have been rejected.

The event was led by Baboucarr Nyang, Chairperson of the National Youth Parliament Election Committee, who shared the progress made so far and stressed the critical role these elections play in empowering young people to take on active roles in national development.

“The NYP elections are more than a routine leadership renewal,” Nyang stated. “They represent the boundless creativity, energy, and transformative power of Gambian youth. These elections embody our collective dream of a nation where young people are not just participants but architects of governance, advocacy, and meaningful change.”

Nyang described the electoral process as a “historic and unprecedented journey” — one that is shaping the country’s democratic culture and offering a powerful learning experience for everyone involved.

According to the list of nominees published on the NYP's social media handles, eight candidates are currently contesting unopposed and are expected to be declared winners for their respective regions. The unopposed candidates identified in the nomination list are Ansu Jatta for Brikama South, Bakary S. Tamba for Foni Bintang Karanai, Abdou Bah for Serrekunda, Ousman Fatty for Wulli East, Dawda Touray for Janjanburreh, Malick M. Jallow for Upper Saloum, Jamanty Conteh for Nimina Dankunku, Nfansu Sonko for Jarra Central, Modou Lamin Sawo for Banjul Central, Fatoumatta Kabba for Banjul South and Basiru K Jammeh for Banjul North.

Meanwhile, the three candidates who have been rejected are Alhassan Kanteh for Tallinding, Fatoumatta S. Njie for Busumbala, and Alieu Bah for Upper Nuimi. Here is a link to the entire list.

The press conference comes at a pivotal moment, as the Youth Parliament seeks to reaffirm the importance of youth leadership, representation, and meaningful participation in national discourse. The committee reiterated its commitment to transparency, inclusivity, and fairness throughout the election process.

Over the years, the National Youth Parliament has played a crucial role in amplifying young voices across The Gambia. The upcoming elections are seen as a vital opportunity to further strengthen youth engagement in policy-making and governance.

As election day draws near, the committee is calling on all eligible young people to step up, get involved, and help shape the future of the country.