The National Council for Civic Education (NCCE) trained at least 40 young people in URR on Tuesday, October 6, 2026.
Held in URR under the theme “Empowering Youth for Inclusive Electoral Participation,” the training aimed to broaden the participants’ understanding and knowledge of their rights and roles in electoral processes.
Mr. Muhammed A.H. Bah, Senior Program Officer of the NCCE, told the participants that elections are crucial because they promote the peaceful transfer of power.
He added, “Elections give citizens a voice in choosing their leaders through voting. Elections enhance accountability and strengthen the legitimacy of the government.”
However, for democracy to thrive, there is a need for free and fair elections, peace, the rule of law, and responsive leadership, among other factors.
Bah told the participants that for an election to be credible, it must be free, fair, and transparent.
He said, “Youths are not a minority group in The Gambia. They are a demographic majority whose participation can shape national development.”
Philph A Gomez, NCCE Program Officer for CRR and URR, engaged the participating youths on “Youth Rights, Responsibilities, and Opportunities for Electoral Participation.”
He informed participants that citizens’ electoral rights include, but are not limited to, the right to vote, freedom of expression and association, access to information, and equal participation.
He also stated, “The responsibilities of the youth are to respect the law, promote peace, verify information, and participate constructively before, during, and after elections and electoral processes.”
He cited a lack of information, economic hardship, political exclusion, and social norms, among other factors, as obstacles to exercising political rights.
Muhammed Kargbo, an influencer, said that the NCCE training helped him share with his colleagues “how to avoid tribal, hateful, or inciting language, and how to frame their stories in a way that promotes peace and unity rather than division.”
He added, “Through the training, I understood that my pen and my platform have the power to inform, educate, and protect democracy. I now see myself not just as a youth, but as a guardian of truth and peace.”
He also described young people as the majority of voters, the majority of the population, and the majority of the energy driving the nation.
He said, “We are the numbers. Over 60% of voters in The Gambia are youth. No one wins without us. We decide who leads.”
He advised young people not to let any politician buy them with D500, a t-shirt, or a bag of rice to insult, fight, or attack others.
This, he said, is because the youth are not foot soldiers for violence; rather, they are leaders.
”On election day, vote peacefully and go home. Don’t fight at polling stations. But be vigilant: record, report, and defend your vote with truth, not violence.”
Assanatou Jallow, Youth Representative of URR, added that the training was relevant as it was conducted ahead of the highly anticipated presidential election.
”This training helps the youth understand the rights and responsibilities attached to us in electoral processes,” she said.
She advised her fellow youths to be more responsible by raising awareness, promoting sensitization, and advocating for peaceful participation in the electoral process—before, during, and after elections.
