The Gambia elects on national level a head of state – the president – and a legislature. The president is elected for a five-year term by the people. The National Assembly has 53 members, 48 members elected for a five-year term and 5 members appointed (the fifth nominated member is the Speaker).

The Gambia was a one party dominant state with the Alliance for Patriotic Reorientation and Construction formerly in power until their defeat in 2017.

Opposition parties are allowed as part of a multi-party political system

Following the December 1, 2016 elections, the elections committee declared Adama Barrow winner of the elections. Incumbent president Yahya Jammeh accepted defeat on December 2.