Politics & Government Guide · GambiaPolitics & Government Guide in Gambia
Political system, governance structure, stability indicators, and democratic institutions
The Gambia remains a unitary presidential republic under President Adama Barrow, operating with the 1997 Constitution after the National Assembly rejected a new constitution bill in July 2025. Disputes over presidential powers and term limits stalled reforms, maintaining the current framework amid multi-party competition.
Government Type
Unitary presidential republic
Legal System
Mixed legal system of English common law, Islamic law, and customary law
Head of State
President Adama Barrow(since 2017)
Head of Government
President Adama Barrow(Independent)since 2017
Legislature
Major Political Parties
Centre-left
Centre-right
Voting Rights
Universal suffrage for citizens aged 18 and above
Recent Developments
- National Assembly rejected the Constitution (Promulgation) Bill 2024 at second reading on 7 July 2025, halting constitutional reform
- Continued operation under the 1997 Constitution due to failure of 2024 Draft
- Opposition UDP and allies opposed the bill over executive powers and term limits
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