The Gambian government has urged the public to interpret the findings of the CepRass National Opinion Poll with caution, while welcoming the public debate generated by the survey and recognising opinion polls as a legitimate democratic tool for gauging public perceptions at a particular time.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, the government said it respects the polling process and acknowledges that public perceptions, whether favourable or unfavourable, should be listened to, understood, and addressed responsibly.
The government noted that the CepRass survey reflects public opinion rather than a comprehensive assessment of government performance across all sectors. It was observed that key areas such as infrastructure development, road expansion, energy access, health facilities, education investment, as well as national peace and stability, were not covered by the poll. As such, it cautioned that the findings should be interpreted within the limits of the survey’s methodology.
On corruption and accountability, the poll indicates that 66 percent of respondents rated the fight against corruption poorly. While acknowledging this perception, the government stated that significant reforms have been undertaken, including the establishment of a dedicated Anti-Corruption Agency, alongside strengthened accountability frameworks, enhanced audit processes, and improved legal oversight mechanisms.
The statement stressed that in a democracy governed by the rule of law, allegations of corruption must be investigated professionally, supported by evidence, and pursued through lawful procedures, adding that the fight against corruption cannot be reduced to political slogans or mob justice.
Regarding the economy, the poll shows that 60 percent of respondents rated economic management poorly, while 66 percent expressed dissatisfaction with job creation. The government said it does not dismiss these concerns but noted that inflationary pressures and rising cost-of-living challenges are global in nature, affecting both developed and developing economies.
Despite these challenges, the government said it continues to invest in infrastructure, agriculture, tourism, energy, and social protection programmes, while maintaining macroeconomic stability and focusing on translating growth into jobs, incomes, and household resilience, particularly for young people and urban populations.
The government also drew attention to the influence of social media on political perceptions, noting that 76 percent of respondents reported having access to digital platforms. While acknowledging the role of social media in expanding political awareness and civic participation, it warned that misinformation and sensational narratives often spread rapidly online, amplifying political frustration beyond factual context.
On trust in leadership, the poll shows that 37 percent of respondents trust the President, while 56 percent disapprove of his overall performance. The government described this as conditional trust rather than democratic rejection, attributing the sentiment to heightened public expectations and prevailing economic pressures.
The survey also asked respondents to compare the performance of the current President with that of previous administrations. According to the findings, 58 percent perceived performance as worse or much worse, while 28 percent viewed it as better or much better, and 12 percent said it was about the same.
While reaffirming citizens’ right to freely express their views, the government said such comparisons reflect public sentiment rather than an objective assessment of governance outcomes, noting that the current administration operates in a markedly different environment characterised by open political competition, an independent media, and an active civil society.
The government further highlighted that dissatisfaction is more visible and freely expressed under democratic conditions, adding that the current administration presides over a peaceful country with competitive elections, respect for human rights, and adherence to the rule of law.
On constitutional reform, the poll reflects strong public support for presidential term limits. The government recalled that a comprehensive constitutional reform process, including term limits, was tabled before the National Assembly but rejected by parliament, including opposition members, while reiterating its commitment to constitutionalism and democratic reform.
