Adama Barrow’s party beaten in Gambia’s parliamentary election

President Adama Barrow’s ruling National People’s Party secured just 18 seats from 53 constituencies in The Gambia’s parliamentary election Saturday, the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) said.

The biggest opposition United Democratic Party followed with 15 seats, including in almost the entire capital area, the IEC said about the results of the balloting, which was marred by low voter turnout.

Candidates who contested under independent tickets won 12 seats.

The National Reconciliation Party won four seats; the People’s Democratic Organization for Independence and Socialism, two seats; and the former ruling Alliance for Patriotic, Reorientation and Construction, also two seats.

The setback comes just after four months after Barrow recorded a landslide in the presidential election.

Observers said the outcome means that the opposition combined have out-muscled the ruling party in the house.

Losing control of the National Assembly means that the ruling party may face stiff challenges in passing certain proposals in the house, including its development initiatives.

However, political scientist Sait Matty Jaw said such a balanced National Assembly will strengthen the system of democracy in The Gambia.