The Chairman of the National Council for Civic Education (NCCE), Mr. Momodou A. Sise, has strongly called on Gambians to exercise restraint and allow due process as the Revising Courts execute their mandate.
His call was made on Friday, 4th September 2026, during a press briefing by the Council to update the media on its civic engagements with Gambians as the country prepares for the 2026 Presidential Election.
The call by Chairman Sise came at a moment when the Revising Courts are sitting to review objections made on voter applications, to determine their eligibility to vote in the upcoming election.
Chairman Sise expressed NCCE’s appreciation to stakeholders for respecting established legal procedures by channeling grievances through competent authorities—such as filing concerns and objections for redress through the Revising Courts, as provided under Section 27 of the Elections Act 2025.
He reminded the public that “the 1,694 objections received by the IEC from various political actors for determination by the Revising Court are a normal administrative part of the electoral process and must not be misconstrued as criminal indictments.”
Individuals who have been objected to, he said, are not criminals, adding that an objection simply questions eligibility and will be lawfully determined by the courts.
“We strongly urge all citizens and stakeholders to maintain absolute calm, exercise restraint and patience, and allow due process to run its course,” Chairman Sise urged Gambians.
Notwithstanding these positive developments, he said the NCCE notes with profound concern the steady rise of identity polarization, inflammatory remarks, hate speech, ethnic rhetoric, and insults in public discourse.
“Alarmingly, much of this dangerous trend involves political figures, individuals in positions of authority, and religious leaders who should be setting moral standards and uniting the nation,” he lamented.
He challenged political parties and party leaders in whose name or defense those obnoxious acts are committed not to remain silent.
“They must publicly condemn and distance themselves and their parties from such barbaric and dangerous actions. We must never allow a few extremist elements to tear this country apart,” he declared.
He stated that in a nation still healing from past divisions, such utterances are corrosive tools that deepen suspicion and erode the trust essential for a harmonious society.
While it is encouraging to see apologies from some individuals involved, he stressed that such instances underscore the extreme sensitivity required of true leadership, and that leadership is a privilege defined by prudence, responsibility, and an unyielding commitment to unity.
A Firm Call to Action for Political Actors and Authorities
He indicated that in light of this heightened atmosphere, “the NCCE issues a solemn, unequivocal, and urgent call to all political actors, leaders, and persons of influence: strictly refrain from any actions, utterances, or posturing that threaten our national peace, unity, and stability.”
He further challenged all citizens and stakeholders to embrace the following:
National Unity: Remember that our shared identity as Gambians transcends all political affiliations. True patriotism is measured by our protection of peace and mutual respect.
Engage in Responsible Participation: Urging digital users and influencers to verify information before sharing, and to reject the urge to amplify divisive content, hate speech, or ethnic rhetoric online.
Focus on Issues: “Let this electoral cycle be a battleground of ideas and development programs—not a contest of insults and character assassination.”
He also reminded the citizenry that a ballot is more than just a marble; it is the ink with which we write our children’s future. He stated that The Gambia is not merely a geographic space on a map, but “a shared home, a legacy handed down to us through generations of resilience, and a sacred trust we hold for those yet unborn.”
He conveyed that elections will come and go, governments will rise and pass, but The Gambia—“our peaceful, beautiful, resilient Gambia—must remain.”
He implored citizens to ensure that when the history of this pivotal year is written, it does not record us as a people who let political ambitions fracture our brotherhood.
Instead, he appealed for a history of a proud nation that looked over the precipice of division, locked arms across ethnic and political lines, and chose peace over chaos, truth over falsehood, and dialogue over destruction.
He expressed the Council’s profound gratitude to government, development partners, political leaders and actors, the security apparatus, civil society organizations, religious leaders, and the media.
While recognizing the vital role of the media in carrying these messages into every home, market, and community, he called for unity, saying: “The pen is in our hands, the microphone is at our lips, and the choice is ours. Let us choose unity. Let us choose The Gambia.”
