NCCE Intensifies Civic Education Ahead of December 2026 Elections

NCCE Press Conference © NCCE Facebook

By Michaella Faith Wright

The National Council for Civic Education (NCCE) says it is intensifying civic and voter education across The Gambia ahead of the 5th December 2026 presidential election, while urging citizens and political actors to reject hate speech, tribal rhetoric, misinformation, and other forms of divisive political discourse.

Chief Civic Education Officer Yusupha Bojang said the NCCE has implemented about 120 interventions in recent months, including nationwide sensitisation campaigns, community dialogues, media programmes and capacity-building initiatives targeting political actors, young people, women, religious leaders and other stakeholders.

He said the interventions are aimed at strengthening democracy, promoting inclusive participation, and safeguarding electoral integrity.

“The NCCE stands fully prepared to collaborate with you to fulfil our constitutional mandate, consolidate our democracy, foster robust civic participation, and ensure that our civic and voter education initiatives ahead of the election are effective and far-reaching,” Bojang said.

The Council also highlighted its efforts to counter misinformation, disinformation, hate speech and identity-based polarisation, including training more than 600 social media influencers, political representatives and community leaders.

Bojang expressed concern over the growing use of inflammatory and tribal rhetoric, particularly by political leaders, public figures and other influential personalities.

“Our shared identity as Gambians transcends all political affiliations. Our participation in this electoral process must be measured by our commitment to peace, mutual understanding, responsible engagement, and national unity,” he said.

He urged social media users to verify information before sharing it and called on political parties to condemn inflammatory rhetoric and promote peaceful political engagement.

NCCE Chairman Alhaji Momodou A. Sise also gave an overview of the Council’s recent activities and ongoing interventions, particularly its civic and voter education efforts ahead of the December polls.

The NCCE is calling on citizens and political stakeholders to make the 2026 electoral cycle a platform for ideas, policies and development rather than personal attacks and division.

NCCE Chairman © NCCE Facebook Page