The National Council for Civic Education (NCCE) has warned political actors and citizens that The Gambia will not tolerate intolerance, hate speech and violence ahead of the 5th December 2026 Presidential Election.
Chairman Momodou Sise made the advice on Monday at Ocean Bay Hotel, Bakau, during a high-level Civic Dialogue on Peaceful Electoral Participation under the theme: “Electoral Readiness, Rights Awareness and Peaceful Participation.”
The forum convened politicians, chiefs, Alkalolu, youth and women leaders, security chiefs and journalists to confront threats to peaceful polls and agree on community-led prevention.
“As we countdown to 5th December 2026, the political temperature is rising. Energy in our towns and villages is undeniable. That shows our democracy is vibrant. But it is also a critical test of our national maturity. We cannot ignore growing polarisation, fake news on digital platforms, and fear over peace and security.”
He said elections are a marketplace of ideas, policies and development programmes.
“Politics is never a battleground for insults, character assassination, regional bigotry or ethnic polarisation. Democracy thrives where diversity is respected. It collapses under intolerance and inflammatory rhetoric.”
Sise said Gambians must face the truth about language.
“Words have meaning. Every word carries intent, weight and consequence. Words can build bridges or dig trenches of division. When we weaponise words, we do not just create discord — we wound our collective soul.”
He told security forces to change approach.
“Your role is sacred. True security is not measured by force of arms, but by trust between protector and protected. Move from reactive containment to proactive, community-oriented policing. Protect citizens. Protect the democratic space.”
He added that particular attention must be paid to misinformation, inflammatory rhetoric, political intolerance, and violence against women in politics. “These threats deepen divisions, erode trust in institutions, and block women, youth, persons with disabilities and other groups from participating safely.”
He urges responsible communication, effective reporting mechanisms, and joint action by state institutions, political parties, civil society, media and security services.
He confirmed UNDP, with funding from the Government of Japan, will continue to support rule of law, inclusive governance and peaceful elections.
Police Commissioner for Human Rights and Professional Standards, Ansumana Kinteh, reinforced the call for restraint, professionalism and zero tolerance for electoral violence.
