By: Binta Jaiteh .
The National Democratic Institute (NDI) has urged The Gambia’s Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) to strengthen proactive communication and transparency throughout the electoral process ahead of the December 2026 presidential election.
Speaking at a press conference in Banjul on Friday, Professor Attahiru Jega, former chairman of Nigeria’s Independent National Electoral Commission, said all electoral stakeholders should promote peaceful participation by political parties, candidates and their supporters and refrain from hate speech.
Jega was part of an NDI pre-election assessment delegation to The Gambia, co-led by former U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Linda Thomas-Greenfield.
He said the delegation had called on stakeholders to renew their commitment to comprehensive electoral reforms through consensus-building and consultative processes.
The delegation also encouraged further reforms to enhance the credibility of future elections and expand opportunities for women, youth and persons with disabilities, who remain underrepresented in political and electoral processes.
“We praise Gambians’ commitment to a credible election process. We encourage eligible Gambians to exercise their right to vote and call on all Gambians to engage peacefully in election processes,” Jega remarked.
He expressed appreciation to Gambians who shared their time and perspectives with the delegation during its assessment mission, noting that the activities were conducted in accordance with Gambian laws and the Declaration of Principles for International Election Observation adopted at the United Nations.
Thomas-Greenfield said the delegation found that preparations for the presidential election were generally proceeding as planned.
“Gambians are hopeful that a successful presidential election will contribute to reinforcing democratic gains attained over the past ten years,” she said.
However, she noted concerns over negative trends, including hate speech, which she said could exacerbate identity politics and ethnic tensions.
Thomas-Greenfield stressed the need for The Gambia to anchor democratic reforms in comprehensive and consensually developed constitutional and legal instruments.
She disclosed that the delegation had met a wide range of electoral stakeholders, including President Adama Barrow and other potential presidential candidates.
The NDI delegation’s mission is aimed at assessing preparations for the election, examining the political environment and making recommendations to strengthen the integrity of the electoral process.
The institute is expected to issue a public statement outlining its key findings and analysis of the pre-election environment, as well as recommended actions for the IEC, political contestants and other stakeholders to enhance inclusion, transparency and accountability.
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