By: Haruna Kuyateh
The National Council for Civic Education (NCCE), with support from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), on Tuesday conducted a community outreach sensitisation programme on the Elections Act 2025 in Barra, Lower Nuimi District, North Bank Region.
The programme, held under the theme “Empowering Citizens, Strengthening Democracy Through Peacebuilding,” forms part of a nationwide civic and electoral awareness campaign ahead of the 2026 presidential election.
Speaking at the event, NCCE Programme Manager Ansumana Ceesay said the initiative seeks to deepen public understanding of the Elections Act 2025 and address misinformation, hate speech and divisive narratives that could undermine democratic processes.
He said democracy thrives when citizens are informed, engaged and committed to resolving differences through dialogue rather than division.
Ceesay called on stakeholders to intensify efforts to educate citizens on their civic rights and responsibilities, noting that the programme also aims to empower marginalised groups, including youth, women and persons with disabilities, to participate meaningfully in electoral processes.
He said the nationwide engagement will cover all regions, with 450 participants expected to take part, including local and traditional authorities, youth leaders, women representatives, persons with disabilities, civil society actors, religious leaders, media practitioners and government officials.
According to him, two training sessions will be held in each of the five regions – Upper River Region, Central River Region, North Bank Region, Lower River Region and West Coast Region – as part of efforts to strengthen inclusivity and democratic participation.
Ceesay further urged stakeholders to work collectively to promote social cohesion, peaceful coexistence and respect for the rule of law, stressing that peaceful elections require the involvement of all actors, including political parties, civil society and the media.
He also expressed appreciation to UNDP for its support under the Inclusive Support for Participation, Integrity and Resilient Elections (INSPIRE) initiative, describing the partnership as key to strengthening democratic processes in The Gambia.
Essau Ward Councillor Michael Mendy said the inclusion of all groups, including persons with disabilities, is essential for credible elections, adding that hate speech and political divisions undermine national unity and development.
Essau Alkalo representative Saikou Njie urged participants to serve as ambassadors of peace and civic awareness, noting that elections are sensitive and require continuous public education.
Lower Nuimi Chief representative Ismaila Njie described the sensitisation as timely, saying it will help raise awareness and discourage electoral violence. He assured the district authorities’ support and called on political actors to promote tolerance and peaceful coexistence.