They made this call via a press conference at their office in Westfield.
The press statement read by Baboucarr Nyang, Chairperson of the NYP Election Committee, emphasised: “To our stakeholders; development partners, civil society, state institutions, the private sector, we issue this urgent call: Support this process. Own this process. Defend this process.
“The NYP elections are not a ceremony. They are a platform for civic education, democratic participation, leadership incubation, and social transformation. Let us remind ourselves: this is the first electoral process of its kind in the history of the National Youth Parliament. It is not without its shortcomings, but it is rich in vision, ambition, and courage. Every stumble is a step forward.”
Mr Nyang added: “Every criticism is a chance to grow. Every youth engaged is a future leader shaped.”
He further stated: “A total of 176 nomination forms were issued to aspiring candidates from across the country, representing all seven administrative regions. The response was overwhelming, reflecting the eagerness of Gambian youth to lead and serve.”
He underscored that “of the 149 forms submitted: 146 candidates were duly qualified and accepted to contest. Three candidates were disqualified for the following reasons: One candidate was found to have submitted identification documents that did not belong to them; impersonating another individual bearing a similar name. Two other candidates were disqualified for failing to submit nomination letters and for fabricating key details, including phone numbers, which undermines the trust and credibility required for public leadership.”
He highlighted that “of the 146 qualified candidates, only 23 are female while 123 are male; a stark gender disparity that cannot go unnoticed.”
He stated that the NYP Electoral Committee would continue to act with integrity, transparency, and fairness. “We are guided by our Constitution. We are grounded in our laws. We are inspired by the hopes of every young Gambian who dreams of a better nation.”
