Gambian youth have been setting bright example in maintaining peace and tranquility ahead of the approaching December presidential polls.
They have continued to play a momentous role in preventing violence before, during, and after elections by transforming from historical targets of political manipulation into active guardians of the country’s democratic peace.
Making up roughly 60% of the population, young Gambians utilise grassroots mobilising, digital innovation, and institutional partnerships to safeguard national stability across all stages of the electoral cycle.
Youth play a vital role in preventing political violence before, during, and after elections by acting as peace advocates, civic educators, and community leaders.
Youth networks, such as the National Youth Parliament, organize grassroots campaigns, town halls, and community dialogues to teach peers about electoral laws and responsible voting.
Organizations like Activista and the National Youth Council (NYC) urge young people not to let politicians use them as tools for ethnic division or conflict.
Youth groups deploy interactive peace caravans and music-driven campaigns across regions such as West Coast and Kanifing to promote calm behaviour during political rallies, as 2026 presidential election edges closer.
Regional youth committees hold post-election community dialogues to lower tensions, counter lingering hate speech, and address tribal friction.
Youth leaders encourage their peers to respect official election outcomes, turning focus back towards national development, unity, and community collaboration rather than unrest.
Meanwhile, Gambian youth stand at the forefront of the country's democratic stability, acting as both potential targets for political manipulation and vital agents for peace before and after elections.
Workshops supported by groups such as NCCE Gambia engage young people to spot early warning signs of physical and verbal violence, fostering social cohesion before polls open.
Leaders encourage youth to maintain active public participation and hold elected officials accountable rather than slipping into political apathy once voting concludes.
Gambian youth actively reject political violence and serve as peacebuilders before, during, and after elections.
Young people are indeed the backbone of the country's future, and their engagement through grassroots organising, digital tools and strategic partnerships is vital for maintaining peace and driving civic progress.
They have been engaging local communities through peer-to-peer education, community dialogues, and town halls to prevent violence and promote peaceful voting.
They leverage social media, podcasts, and digital campaigns to counter misinformation, track electoral irregularities, and encourage voter turnout.
They collaborate with organizations like the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC), civil society organizations (CSOs), and international partners to ensure youth voices are structurally integrated into decision-making.
