The National Council for Civic Education (NCCE) has called on political actors, supporters, and the general public to uphold civic decorum, reject hate speech, and place national unity above partisan interests as The Gambia heads towards the 2026 electoral cycle.
The appeal was made by the Chairman of the NCCE, Alhaji Sering Fye, during a press briefing on Friday, outlining the Council’s recent interventions and its strategic roadmap toward the December 5, 2026, presidential election.
Addressing journalists, Alhaji Fye described the media as an indispensable partner in democracy, stressing that responsible journalism remains critical in linking duty-bearers with citizens and ensuring that the public receives clear, accurate, and timely information.
“As Gambians prepare to go to the polls, the NCCE remains firmly committed to its constitutional mandate of consolidating democracy, strengthening civic participation and promoting peace and social cohesion,” he said.
Reflecting on the Council’s 2025 activities, the chairman highlighted what he called “significant institutional growth and grassroots impact,” including the opening of two new regional offices to decentralize civic education and improve outreach in rural communities.
On electoral integrity, the NCCE conducted nationwide sensitization campaigns ahead of by-elections in Massembeh, Half-Die, Kaiaf, and Bantanjang wards, engaging communities through town hall meetings, caravans, and radio programmes to promote peaceful and informed participation.
The Council also intensified inclusion efforts, organizing forums and radio dialogues on disability rights, training more than 800 women leaders to enhance political participation, and leading birth registration awareness campaigns to strengthen citizenship documentation.
Further initiatives included nationwide consultations on the draft constitution, public education on the Anti-Corruption Act 2023 and Criminal Offences Act 2025, and training local government and district tribunal officials on human rights and fair adjudication.
Youth outreach programmes reached hundreds of students to instill early civic values.
Looking ahead, Mr. Fye unveiled the NCCE’s 2026 workplan under the banner “My Vote, My Future,” which will support voter registration, nationwide sensitisation, and community dialogues aimed at safeguarding peaceful and credible elections.
While commending the peaceful conduct of recent by-elections, he warned against rising inflammatory rhetoric, particularly on digital platforms.
“The use of hate speech, tribal sentiment, and misinformation for political gain threatens our stability and undermines democracy,” he cautioned.
He urged citizens to verify information before sharing, reject divisive narratives, and focus on issue-based political debate rather than personal attacks.
Reaffirming the Council’s neutrality, the chairman pledged continued collaboration with the Independent Electoral Commission, civil society, security services, traditional and religious leaders, and development partners to ensure a transparent and peaceful electoral process.
“The December 5 election is a test of our collective maturity,” he said. “Let us choose peace over division and put The Gambia first.”
