PAP Bureau Elections 2026: West African Caucus Chair Alhagie Mbow Joins Vice Presidential Race

As momentum builds toward the April 2026 elections of the Bureau of the Pan-African Parliament (PAP), attention is increasingly turning to the emerging field of candidates expected to shape the next phase of the institution’s leadership.

Among those who have indicated interest in contesting is Hon. Alhagie Mbow, the Head of the Gambian Delegation to the Pan-African Parliament and current Chairperson of the West African Caucus.

His potential candidacy for the position of Second Vice President places him within a strategic contest that is expected to reflect both regional dynamics and institutional priorities within the Parliament.

A Profile Rooted in Parliamentary Experience

Hon. Mbow brings to the race nearly a decade of parliamentary experience at both national and continental levels. He has served as a Member of the National Assembly of The Gambia since 2017, representing the Upper Saloum constituency, and has been a member of the Pan-African Parliament over the same period.

Within PAP, his role has expanded significantly in recent years. In 2022, he was appointed Head of the Gambian Delegation and elected Chairperson of the West African Caucus a position that places him at the center of regional coordination and consensus-building within the Parliament.

His leadership of the Caucus comes at a time when regional blocs have become increasingly influential in shaping outcomes within PAP, particularly in the context of Bureau elections.

Committee Work and Legislative Focus

At the national level, Hon. Mbow has maintained an active legislative profile. He currently chairs the Committee on Education, Training and ICT in the Gambian National Assembly, while also serving as Vice Chairperson of the Finance and Public Accounts Committee. His committee assignments further extend to trade, regional integration, public appointments, and social welfare oversight.

At the continental level, his work within PAP aligns with the Parliament’s core advisory and normative functions, including contributions to model laws, promotion of human rights, and strengthening of regional integration frameworks.

Technology, Governance, and Multistakeholder Engagement

Beyond parliamentary work, Hon. Mbow’s profile reflects a strong background in technology and governance. He holds both Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Computer Information Systems from Kennesaw State University in the United States, with specialization in e-business systems.

His professional experience includes senior roles in banking and technology, including positions at Standard Chartered Bank and Ecobank, where he managed ICT infrastructure, digital systems, and operational risk frameworks.

He has also been active in global governance processes. Notably, he has served as a member of the United Nations Internet Governance Forum (IGF) Multistakeholder Advisory Group since 2019, a role appointed by the UN Secretary-General, and currently chairs the Africa Internet Governance Forum (AfIGF) advisory structure.

This combination of legislative experience and digital governance expertise positions him within a growing category of parliamentarians engaging with emerging policy areas at the intersection of technology and development.

Positioning Within the West African Bloc

Hon. Mbow’s candidacy also carries implications for regional dynamics within PAP.

As Chairperson of the West African Caucus, he occupies a strategic position in one of the most influential regional blocs within the Parliament. His leadership role may provide both visibility and organizational leverage in the run-up to the elections.

At the same time, the contest for the position of Second Vice President is expected to reflect broader considerations, including regional rotation, coalition-building, and alignment with evolving institutional priorities.

A Contest Framed by Institutional Transition

The 2026 PAP Bureau elections come at a critical moment for the institution. Beyond leadership renewal, the elections are taking place against the backdrop of ongoing debates around governance, procedural compliance, and the future direction of the Parliament.

Within this context, candidates are likely to be evaluated not only on regional backing but also on their ability to navigate complex institutional dynamics and contribute to the strengthening of PAP’s role within the African Union architecture.

For Hon. Mbow, the combination of parliamentary experience, regional leadership, and technical background presents a profile that aligns with these evolving expectations.

What to Watch

As the election approaches, key questions will shape the trajectory of the contest:

·       How will regional caucuses align around candidates?

·       To what extent will leadership experience within PAP influence voting patterns?

·       Will emerging policy areas such as digital governance play a role in shaping leadership preferences?

With the field of candidates expected to evolve in the coming weeks, Hon. Alhagie Mbow’s entry into the race adds a significant dimension to what is already shaping up to be a closely watched election within the Pan-African Parliament.