The United Democratic Party (UDP) has responded to the recent CEPRASS election survey and opinion poll ahead of the December presidential election, insisting that while polls are useful, they do not determine electoral outcomes.

In a statement, the UDP said it has taken note of the survey and respects the effort, process and intent behind such research, acknowledging the role opinion polling plays in shaping public debate and political strategy.

The party said it will carefully review the findings and use insights from the survey to strengthen its campaign, sharpen its messaging and deepen engagement with voters across the country.

However, the UDP stressed what it described as a “fundamental democratic truth”, that elections are decided by voters at polling stations, not by projections or opinion polls.

The party pointed to recent African elections to back its argument, citing Malawi’s 2020 presidential election, where most polls predicted defeat for opposition leader Dr Lazarus Chakwera, only for him to win decisively at the ballot box.

It also referenced Zambia’s 2021 election, where Hakainde Hichilema secured a landslide victory despite polls and narratives suggesting otherwise.

According to the UDP, such examples show that opinion polls can misread public sentiment, underestimate grassroots momentum, or fail to capture last-minute shifts in voter behaviour.

While maintaining respect for data and research, the party said it places greater confidence in the will of the Gambian people, democratic participation and the power of ideas, organisation and hard work.

The UDP said its focus remains on direct engagement with citizens, offering practical solutions to national challenges and earning voters’ trust through integrity, consistency and service.

“As December approaches, the final verdict will come not from opinion polls, but from the sovereign choice of the Gambian electorate,” the statement concluded.

By Adama Makasuba