GOOD MORNING MR. PRESIDENT: Let’s pray for peace and unity

Mr President, as The Gambia approaches the presidential election on 5 December 2026, our country has less than a month to prepare for an important democratic exercise. The campaign period is scheduled to run from 16 November to 3 December. This is a time for vigorous debate, but also for calm, responsibility and respect.
We commend the initiative of Muslim and Christian leaders who are preaching peace and organising prayers for the nation and its people ahead of the election. Their message reminds us that, whatever our political differences, we share one country and a common future. We should support these efforts in our homes, communities, places of worship and public discussions.
Mr President, every Gambian has the right to support the candidate or party of their choice. We must respect that choice, even when it differs from our own. Politics should not divide families, neighbours or communities. Elections come and go; our national bonds and responsibilities remain. Let us reject intimidation, violence, hate speech, tribalism and every attempt to create hostility between citizens. Candidates, campaign teams and supporters all have a duty to act lawfully and peacefully.
The campaign should focus on ideas and practical plans. Candidates should explain how they will ease the cost of living, strengthen the economy and improve the daily lives of Gambians. They should set out their positions on constitutional reform, including a proposed two-term limit for the presidency, and explain how they would address The Gambia’s longstanding energy challenges, which have troubled the country for decades.
Mr President, the country also needs clear plans to develop agriculture and tourism, two sectors with strong potential to create jobs and earn foreign exchange. Candidates should address how to combat irregular migration by expanding opportunities at home. In education, they should explain how they will improve quality and protect students’ welfare. They should also discuss good governance, the rule of law and investment in sport, which can support health, opportunity and national development. Airport taxes and charges deserve attention too: candidates should explain how these costs are set and presented transparently to travellers.
Draconian media laws should be abolished to promote democracy and good governance, and support to the media should be a priority to all candidates or flagbearers.
We urge all candidates to speak responsibly and present their programmes with dignity. Voters deserve to hear what each candidate proposes, how those proposals will be funded and how progress will be measured. Criticism of policies is part of democracy; personal attacks and inflammatory language do not help the country.
Mr President, the Gambia Radio and Television Services (GRTS), as the national broadcaster, should provide every candidate with a fair opportunity to present their agenda and engage the electorate. Balanced coverage will help voters compare proposals and make informed choices. GRTS should apply transparent, consistent arrangements so that no candidate is unfairly excluded.
Mr President, may the campaign be peaceful, and may the election reflect the free choice of the people. We wish every candidate good luck and call on all Gambians to protect peace, unity and the rule of law.
Muslim and Christian leaders are expected to use their airtime via the state and other media to pray for a peaceful election.
We should also pray everyday at the mosques, churches and houses for a successful and violence-free election.
One Gambia, one, people, one goal: peace, unity and development!
Good day.