The National Council for Civic Education (NCCE) has called on young people across The Gambia to take an active and responsible role in the country’s democratic process.
Speaking at a civic engagement forum held Tuesday at the Basse Area Council conference hall, Mamadou A.H. Bah, Senior Program Officer at the NCCE, described youth participation in politics as “an effort whose importance cannot be over emphasised.”
The event brought together youth leaders from across the region, officials of the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC), staff of the NCCE, and other stakeholders. It was supported by the United Nations Development Program (UNDP), which continues to partner with national institutions to strengthen democratic governance and promote inclusive participation nationwide.
Bah explained that the initiative builds on earlier engagements, including media training programs where journalists and social media influencers were trained on fact-checking, responsible reporting, and verifying information before publication. He noted that these efforts aim to ensure citizens make informed decisions during elections.
“This engagement with young people specifically targets the youth cohort of society,” Bah said. “It is about reminding them of their roles and responsibilities in electoral participation, and their stake in safeguarding the peace we enjoy during and after elections.”
He further emphasised that young people should not only see themselves as voters but also as potential candidates, as guaranteed by the 1997 Constitution and the Elections Act. The training involved diverse youth groups, including regional youth structures, peace ambassadors, national youth parliamentarians, and activists.
According to Bah, these vibrant youth-led organizations will play a vital role in disseminating civic messages and advocating for political positions in upcoming electoral cycles, including National Assembly and local government elections.
Offering advice as the nation approaches elections, Bah urged young people and all citizens to exercise their rights responsibly. “Speak freely, but ensure your words are guarded,” he cautioned. “We must not allow political discourse to be used to sow division or trigger violence. Politics should be based on ideas and policies, and after elections, we must return to living together as one society.”
