The National Council for Civic Education (NCCE) has continued its community sensitization campaigns in villages across WCR and LRR, focusing on national unity and meaningful political participation ahead of the December 5th, 2026 Presidential Election.
Supported by the EU–UNDP GREAT Initiative, the engagements were held on Tuesday, 1st September 2026, in Sohm (WCR), and Japineh and Karantaba (LRR).
The engagements brought community members together to reflect on two important pillars of a strong democracy: national unity and meaningful political participation. The sessions emphasized that political differences should never become barriers to national unity.
The NCCE stressed that while citizens may support different political parties and candidates, they remain members of one nation and share a common responsibility to protect peace, strengthen social cohesion, and promote the country’s development.
“Political participation is not only about casting a vote; it also involves being informed, understanding candidates and their programmes, expressing views peacefully, and contributing constructively to community and national development,” said the NCCE.
Participants discussed how citizens can actively participate in the electoral process while maintaining respect for one another, regardless of political differences.
Meanwhile, the NCCE also held engagements in Salikeni (NBR), Pakaliba (LRR), and Somita and Besse (WCR), bringing together community members to discuss the importance of credible elections, national unity, political tolerance, and peaceful participation.
A key focus of the discussions was the need to reject tribalism, hate speech, and divisive political rhetoric, which can undermine peaceful coexistence and weaken national unity.
Speaking during the session in Pakaliba, Imam Kebba Suwareh strongly cautioned against the use of tribal sentiments during political activities. He stressed that divisive political and tribal rhetoric can create deep divisions within communities and called on citizens to reject messages that promote hatred, intolerance, and division.
The engagements also reinforced the importance of citizens exercising their civic responsibilities, respecting differing political views, and participating actively and peacefully in the electoral process.
Through these community engagements, the NCCE continues to promote informed citizenship, peaceful political participation, and a culture of tolerance and unity as The Gambia approaches the 2026 elections.
As the country heads toward the polls, the NCCE encourages citizens to participate actively, engage respectfully, reject division, and put national interest above political differences.
