CepRASS Launches Project to Strengthen Democracy and Accountability in The Gambia

CePRASS group photo © Askanwi

By Haddy Ceesay

The Center for Policy, Research, and Strategic Studies (CepRASS) launched a new project titled “Assessing and Strengthening Democracy in The Gambia: Building a Representative and Accountable Government” at the National Nutrition Agency (NaNA) in Bakau on Friday, 31st September 2025.

The event brought together representatives from civil society, government ministries, political parties, academia, the Gambia Police Force, the Gambia Armed Forces and development partners. The initiative aims to provide a comprehensive assessment of the country’s democratic processes and governance landscape while promoting transparency, inclusiveness, and accountability in public institutions.

Speaking at the launch, Dr Adama Touray, Director of Research at CepRASS, said the project comes at a crucial time as the country prepares for the 2026 elections.

“Since the government’s democratic transition in 2016, our nation has made significant progress in expanding political freedoms and civil participation. Yet, the road to consolidating democracy will be a long and arduous one,” she said.

Dr Touray added that the initiative will generate credible, data-driven evidence on the state of democracy in The Gambia, amplifying citizen voices and fostering dialogue among stakeholders.

She further noted that since its establishment in 2016, CepRASS, based at the University of The Gambia, has implemented over 50 projects in governance, public finance, education, climate change, and social development, in partnership with institutions such as UNDP, the World Bank, GIZ, and the National Endowment for Democracy (NED).

Ms Tabu Njie-Sarr, Country Director for the Westminster Foundation for Democracy (WFD), commended CepRASS for securing funding for the project, describing it as a milestone in The Gambia’s democratic consolidation journey.

“Democracy is not a one-size-fits-all system; it is complex and evolving. This project will generate evidence-based research that can help strengthen our institutions and empower citizens, especially women, youth, and persons with disabilities, to participate equally in decision-making,” she said.

Ms Njie-Sarr emphasised the importance of citizen participation and stakeholder collaboration in sustaining the country’s democratic gains ahead of the 2026–2027 electoral cycle.

Project Manager Mr Lamin Dampha expressed appreciation to CepRASS and its partners for their commitment to advancing democratic governance in The Gambia.

He noted that the initiative will build on previous collaborations with NED, including projects that tracked public opinion on democracy and governance and promoted citizen participation in local decision-making.

Delivering the keynote address, Minister of Information, Media and Broadcasting Dr Ismaila Ceesay commended CepRASS for its contribution to research and policy dialogue. He stressed the importance of using data-driven evidence to inform government reforms.

“In today’s world, every democratic institution, whether the police, army, civil society, or government, needs data to understand what citizens think and need. Evidence of this kind is essential for informed policymaking and for ensuring that reforms respond to the realities on the ground,” he said.

Dr Ceesay encouraged all stakeholders to use the findings constructively to advance inclusive governance and citizen participation.

“Sometimes findings may not favour everyone, but that is part of democracy and constructive academic dialogue,” he added.

The project, supported by the National Endowment for Democracy (NED), will conduct nationwide opinion polls and expert surveys to assess public trust in key institutions such as the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC), the National Assembly, and the Judiciary. It will also engage stakeholders in reform discussions to strengthen representation and accountability.

CepRASS was founded in 2016 at the University of The Gambia’s School of Business and Public Administration and serves as a national research and policy centre that bridges academia and governance. Its mission is to promote evidence-based policymaking and strengthen democratic institutions in The Gambia.