THE STATE OF ELECTORAL REFORM IN THE GAMBIA

In 2016, the Gambia underwent a successful transfer of power, with a new coalition government promising a series of reforms to improve the country's governance. Among these reforms were security sector reform and electoral reform, which were widely accepted by civil society, opposition parties, and international election agencies. The current laws governing elections in the Gambia are seen as outdated and unfair, and there is a pressing need to amend them in order to create a more balanced and inclusive election governance framework. While electoral reforms have been ongoing, progress has been hampered by political infighting and bureaucratic delays. This study contributes to the discussions on how to create a more democratic and transparent electoral system in The Gambia by identifying the legal and institutional guidelines that can be followed during the reform process.