The
National Council for Civic Education (NCCE) is currently embarking on a
sensitisation tour to educate people about their rights and responsibilities as
electorates and the importance of their active participation in politics.
The
campaign in Foni began on 4 September 2016 and will cover 20 communities within
the 5 districts: Foni Jarrol, Foni Bondali, Foni Kansala, Foni Bintang and Foni
Berefet.
Yusupha
Bojang, NCCE programme officer, said the council is poised to cultivate an
environment of democratic continuity in The Gambia that will enable all
citizens to fully participate in the governance process of the country.
He
pointed out that this can be done through the promotion of political and civic
consciousness and the promotion of rights and freedoms of all citizens in
accordance with the Constitution of The Gambia and other legal statues.
“Every
citizen has the right to vote and be voted for, provided you meet the
requirements,” he said, adding that elections opens the door for democracy.
“Therefore,
I am calling on all to exercise their civic rights as citizens by securing
voter’s cards and going out, on election day, to cast their votes as a single
vote can make a candidate win or lose an election,” Mr Bojang explained.
He
further pointed out that every citizen has the right to political affiliation
and there should be a level playing ground for all political parties: no
discrimination.
The
NCCE programme officer said leaders are elected to bring development to
nations, so communities should carefully elect someone who can bring the nation
development.
Bojang
called on the women and youth to be more active in politics, saying the
exercise of one’s civic rights during elections is beyond clapping, singing,
dancing and cooking.
Ansumana
Yabo, senior civic officer at NCCE, said they are educating citizens on their
civic rights and responsibilities because there cannot be any development
without knowledge.
He
said it is important that people fully participate in National Assembly and
Area Council elections as they do in presidential elections.
“It
will be difficult for development to take place if people do not fully
participate in all election processes,” Mr Yabo warned.
Meanwhile,
communities commended NCCE for making them to understand their civic and
political participation.
