Mr President, veteran journalist Pap Saine of The Point newspaper has issued an important reminder at a critical moment in our national life: the spread of fake news and misinformation can threaten the peace, stability and integrity of our democracy, particularly during an election period.
In an interview with Capital FM’s Edi Jamaka, Mr Saine urged authorities and citizens to take responsibility for the information they create, publish and share. His message deserves the attention of every Gambian. Social media has made it possible for news and opinions to travel across the country in seconds. That speed can help citizens stay informed, but it can also allow false claims, manipulated content and unverified allegations to spread before the facts are known.
Mr President, the challenge is not simply that people express different views. Open debate is part of a healthy democracy. The danger arises when individuals deliberately circulate false information to mislead the public, inflame tensions or provoke unrest. A rumour presented as fact can damage reputations, deepen divisions and cause fear. During an election, when emotions may already be high, irresponsible communication can weaken public confidence in the process and put communities at risk.
Mr Saine’s appeal to patriotism is therefore timely. Loving one’s country means protecting its people and institutions, even when political disagreements are strong. Citizens should pause before forwarding a sensational message, check whether it comes from a credible source, and correct falsehoods when they encounter them. Political leaders, media organisations and public institutions also have a duty to communicate promptly, clearly and accurately. When reliable information is delayed or difficult to access, speculation can fill the gap.
The veteran journalist also recalled the difficult conditions under which Gambian journalists worked during the former regime of President Yahya Jammeh. He described a period when journalists were killed, media practitioners faced fear, restrictions, arrests and imprisonment, and when some journalists went into exile or saw their homes or media houses burned. His comparison with the greater freedom journalists experience today should not be taken for granted. The right to report, question and scrutinise public affairs is a democratic achievement that must be protected.
That freedom carries responsibility. Journalists must verify information, distinguish fact from opinion, correct errors and avoid headlines that inflame without informing. Citizens who post or share content should apply the same care. Freedom of expression is not a licence to knowingly mislead or incite others. At the same time, efforts to counter misinformation must respect lawful expression and should be transparent, fair and consistent.
Mr President, the protection of our electoral process belongs to all of us. The authorities should support timely access to trustworthy information and address credible threats through lawful procedures. Political parties and candidates should urge their supporters to remain calm and reject fabricated claims. Citizens should let evidence guide their judgement and report dangerous falsehoods responsibly.
The ballot is an expression of the people’s will. Let us protect it by protecting truth, respecting one another and refusing to let reckless rumours set our country ablaze. Our peace is a shared responsibility, and safeguarding it begins with every message we choose to believe and share.
Good day!