The main objectives of the sensitisations are to enhance citizen political consciousness and promote the culture of political tolerance as well as increase public awareness about their civic and political rights to encourage massive political participation and high voter turnout in the upcoming April 9th 2022 parliamentary elections.
Obligated by their mandate and desire to deliver effective and efficient civic and voter education to all citizens across the length and breadth of The Gambia in this electioneering period, to limit voter apathy as well as ensure a violence-free election, no community is far and inaccessible to NCCE’s committed and dedicated staff embarking on the campaign.
Mr Ansumana Ceesay, senior program officer of the NCCE in his remarks at their last meeting in Kaba Kamma in Basse Constituency, and Makamang Kunda in Jimara Constituency reminded citizens about their political rights which he said is constitutionally guaranteed as well as the importance of parliament and role of parliamentarians, the need for citizen participation and voting in the national assembly election, qualifications and disqualification for membership of national assembly, important dates in the electoral calendar and campaign ethics and code of conduct.
Mr. Ceesay also advised electorate to desist from any act/form of election-related violence such as the use of abusive language and hate speech during campaigns, and allow people to exercise their civic rights by voting for the candidate of choice.
Ceesay further counselled citizens not to allow to be used to do any act that contravenes the laws of The Gambia or has the potency to derail the peace and security of the country thought out the electoral processes.
“Similarly, politicians are caution to desist from acts that contravene the legal instruments, polices and regulations governing the electoral process in The Gambia,” he further said.
He also encouraged citizen to be law-abiding and peaceful during the entire election process, saying:“whosoever wins, citizens are encouraged to rally behind the person and work together for the betterment of their respective constituencies.”
Reacting to NCCE’s interventions, participants in almost all the meetings expressed their appreciation to the NCCE for the timely engagements and provision of the much needed information at this very moment as the country prepares for yet another important election.
They stated that the interactions were very useful in raising their civic consciousness, political participation, making informed choices and more importantly ensuring peaceful election.
The second and third legs of the NCCE’s nationwide civic and vote education campaign will be held in the other regions in the coming weeks.
