The Gambia Press Union president Isatou Keita has called for dignity, restraint and peaceful engagement ahead of nomination of candidates for the December 5, 2026 presidential election.
In a statement issued Tuesday, Keita said The Gambia stands at a defining moment, noting that nomination is more than procedure but a high point in national debate on leadership and accountability.
She urged political parties, candidates, supporters, state institutions and citizens to treat elections as a contest of ideas, not hostility, and vision, not division.
Keita urged candidates to promote informed debate, tolerance and respect for differing views, with clear policy proposals and practical solutions.
“Personal attacks, hate speech, misinformation, disinformation and inflammatory rhetoric only undermine public confidence and weaken democratic discourse,” she warned.
On media role, she said journalists must uphold highest professional and ethical standards, with accuracy over speed and verification over speculation.
“Every report, headline, image and social media post should be guided by fairness, independence and public interest,” she said.
She called for heightened vigilance on safety, urging journalists covering political events to be aware of surroundings, identify themselves, maintain contact with editors and avoid unnecessary risk. She said media houses must prepare and support reporters with logistics.
She urged stronger digital security, caution on social media information and debunking of coordinated disinformation campaigns, stressing protection of sources, personal data and verification of user-generated content.
Keita condemned hate speech, intimidation, harassment and physical and verbal attacks against journalists, saying freedom of expression must not be used as a shield for incitement or discrimination.
She called on security services to act with impartiality and respect fundamental freedoms, allowing journalists to work freely without interference or intimidation.
The GPU said it remains alert to media freedom threats and has designated a Safety Officer on standby throughout the electoral period to receive reports, respond to incidents and coordinate assistance. She urged journalists to promptly report threats, harassment, access restrictions or interference.
“A free press can only thrive when journalists are able to work safely, confidently and without fear,” she said.
Keita said a peaceful election begins long before polling day, with choices made in words, actions and commitment to democratic principles.
She said GPU remains committed to defending press freedom, promoting ethical journalism and supporting a peaceful, credible and transparent election.
“Let us ensure this election season is remembered not for tension and division, but for maturity, tolerance and democratic spirit of the Gambian people,” she said.
