The Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) has registered two new political parties — the Gambian People’s Advancement Party (GPAP) and the Alliance of Progressive Citizens (APC).

The additions bring the number of officially registered political parties in The Gambia to 22 as the country prepares for the 2026 presidential election.

According to the IEC, both parties fulfilled the requirements for registration under Section 105 of the Elections Act of 2009.

The Gambian People’s Advancement Party is led by Dr Papa Faal, who serves as party leader and secretary general.

The party’s colours are royal purple and sky blue, and its symbol features millet stalks and a groundnut plant. Its motto is “Dignity, Justice and Compassion.”

The party’s headquarters is located in Sinchu Alagie.

“We are expecting more registrations later on,” IEC spokesperson Pa Makan Khan told Kerr Fatou in a phone interview.

The IEC says it remains committed to transparency, inclusiveness and fairness in the country’s electoral process.