The General Transport Union (GTU) has called on commercial drivers, transport operators, political parties and the general public to prioritise road safety throughout the 2026 presidential election period, warning that increased political activities could expose road users to accidents and loss of lives.
In a public safety advisory issued recently, the Union expressed concern over the anticipated increase in passenger movement following the commencement of presidential nominations on 3 November.
With the election scheduled for 5 December 2026, the GTU expects increased transportation demands as supporters travel to attend nomination activities, political rallies and campaign events.
The Union also warned of possible road safety risks following the announcement of election results, particularly during victory celebrations and other post-election activities.
While acknowledging the importance of democratic participation, the GTU stressed that political enthusiasm must never come at the expense of human lives.
According to the Union, experiences from previous election campaigns have shown that vehicle overloading, unsafe passenger transportation and irresponsible driving can expose innocent citizens to serious danger.
The GTU Executive Committee has therefore urged commercial drivers to ensure that their vehicles are mechanically sound, properly maintained and roadworthy before undertaking campaign-related transportation assignments.
It also cautioned drivers against distracting activities such as dancing, chanting, waving political flags or celebrating while behind the steering wheel, emphasising that their primary responsibility is to transport passengers safely.
On passenger safety, the Union strongly warned against overloading and dangerous practices, including allowing passengers to sit on vehicle rooftops, hang onto vehicle sides or stand on vehicle steps while vehicles are in motion. Drivers were urged to respect approved passenger capacities and ensure that everyone is properly seated.
The GTU further reminded drivers to respect the Highway Code, traffic regulations and national road safety standards, stressing that no political assignment or external pressure should encourage them to disregard their professional responsibilities.
The Union also called on garage committees, chairpersons and attendants across the country to communicate the advisory to their members and sensitise drivers before accepting campaign-related transportation assignments.
Additionally, it appealed to the Gambia Police Force, particularly traffic officers, to maintain consistent enforcement of traffic regulations throughout the nomination, campaign, election and post-election periods.
The GTU maintained that vehicles carrying passengers beyond their approved capacity, particularly those transporting people on rooftops or hanging onto vehicle sides, should not be allowed to proceed on public roads. It emphasised that traffic laws must be applied consistently without political considerations.
The Union also urged presidential aspirants, political parties, campaign managers and political movement leaders to use their platforms to promote responsible transportation among supporters. The Union urged candidates to include road safety messages in their rallies, public engagements and media appearances.
Furthermore, the GTU appealed to all candidates, regardless of the election outcome, to encourage peaceful and responsible celebrations after the announcement of results.
“A successful democratic process must also be a safe democratic process. The lives of our citizens are more important than any political celebration,” the Union stated.
Reaffirming its commitment to safer transportation, the GTU said it remains ready to work with the Gambia Police Force, the Ministry of Transport, Works and Infrastructure, and other stakeholders to strengthen road safety awareness.
The Union emphasised that road safety is a collective responsibility involving government institutions, political leaders, drivers, passengers and the wider public.
It urged Gambians to campaign peacefully, travel responsibly and celebrate responsibly, reminding citizens that every passenger travelling to participate in political activities belongs to a family expecting their safe return home.
