Building on the achievements of its first phase, the National Council for Civic Education (NCCE) has rolled out Phase II of its intensive civic and voter sensitization campaign across communities in the Lower River Region (LRR), North Bank Region (NBR), and West Coast Region (WCR).
Held under the theme “Informed Citizens: The Pillar of Credible Elections and Resilient Democracy”, the initiative comes at a crucial time as The Gambia prepares for the 5th December 2026 Presidential Election. With heightened political activity nationwide, the campaign seeks to ensure citizens remain informed, tolerant, and actively engaged in the democratic process.
Local leaders and community members warmly welcomed the NCCE’s outreach, appreciating the opportunity to discuss civic and electoral issues directly within their communities. The face-to-face sessions allowed participants to better understand their rights and responsibilities under the Constitution and Electoral Act, while openly addressing concerns about political division and the upcoming polls.
In Kerr Ardo, Fatou Touray urged greater participation of women in national political programmes, encouraging them to harness their numerical strength by supporting female candidates and engaging actively in politics.
Meanwhile, in Kantora, Bakary Sanyang emphasised the importance of tolerance and peaceful coexistence, noting: “If we use politics as a weapon to fight each other, we will not achieve our goals. There are many political parties, but we should support the one we believe is right for us and move on peacefully. No one can claim to be the founder or creator of a tribe. We must therefore be tolerant and peaceful for successful elections.”
Beyond community dialogues, the NCCE has also expanded its reach through interactive radio programs, enabling widespread public participation and bridging information gaps. These efforts are fostering mutual tolerance across political divides and ensuring inclusive participation remains a reality for all Gambians.
As the December election approaches, the grassroots engagements are equipping citizens with knowledge of their civic duties and the importance of peaceful participation. An informed and responsible citizenry, the NCCE stresses, is essential for credible elections and the consolidation of democracy in The Gambia.
