The Westminster Foundation for Democracy (WFD) has flagged the high financial cost of political participation as a major barrier to women’s representation in The Gambia ahead of the 2026–2027 electoral cycle. Ms Sarr said political parties are the gateway to political representation, making their candidate-selection committees critical in determining who gets the opportunity to contest elections. WFD also presented findings from its Cost of Politics in The Gambia study, which examined the financial, social and emotional burdens associated with entering and sustaining a political career. The programme seeks to increase women’s representation in parliamentary and local council elections during the 2026–2029 electoral cycle. Ms Sarr urged stakeholders to ensure that the recommendations of the Cost of Politics study translate into concrete reforms.