ELECTION 2021: How Gambians will differentiate between the contesting political parties on election day

The Gambia will be conducting its presidential election on December 4, 2021, with polls expected to open at 8: 00 am and close at 5: 00 pm.

However, if there are voters in a queue at 5: 00 pm on election day, they will be allowed to cast their ballot before the close of voting in a system very unique to the Gambia that includes using marbles to cast your vote by dropping it into iron-made drums (which serve as ballot boxes).

So, for eligible voters to be able to cast their ballots for their preferred party/candidate they must know the identifying colours and symbols of the political party/candidate.

The election management body, Independent Electoral Commission(IEC) has approved 6 political parties to contest in the upcoming polls and each party/candidate will have a drum painted with its own identifying colour and party symbol.

Here is a list of the qualified political parties/candidates for the December 4 presidential election and their identifying colours:

NPP (National Peoples Party): Dark Gray

PDOIS (People’s Democratic Organization for Independence and Socialism): Brown

GDC (Gambia Democratic Congress): Purple

UDP (United Democratic Party): Yellow

NUP (National Unity Party): Orange and White

Essa Mbye Faal (Independent Candidate): Blue

The candidates representing the various parties include current President Adama Barrow, Ousainou Darboe, Halifa Sallah, Mama Kandeh and Abdoulie Jammeh and Essay Mbye Faal.

By: Vivian Adams