With the nation gearing up for a pivotal electoral period, the National Council for Civic Education (NCCE) has issued a strong call for responsible citizenship and strict adherence to the rule of law as the Supplementary Voter Registration exercise gets underway.
The registration period, running from April 8 to May 21, 2026, forms a key part of the 2026–2027 electoral cycle. It offers eligible citizens—especially first-time voters and those without a valid voter’s card—a crucial opportunity to obtain this essential document. The NCCE emphasized that a voter’s card represents more than mere identification; it is the primary instrument through which Gambians can exercise their democratic rights in the Presidential Election scheduled for December 5, 2026, as well as the subsequent Parliamentary and Local Government Elections in 2027.
In a statement signed by Chairman Momodou A. Sise, the NCCE encouraged all eligible Gambians to actively participate in the process and fulfill their civic responsibilities with patriotism and decorum. “Your voter’s card is your voice,” the statement noted, underscoring the importance of direct involvement in shaping the country’s future.
While acknowledging the value of public vigilance in monitoring the exercise to promote transparency and credibility, the NCCE stressed that such oversight must remain firmly within legal boundaries. The Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) is the only body constitutionally empowered to conduct voter registration and elections, as provided under Section 43 (1) (a) of the 1997 Constitution.
The Council urged the general public, particularly political actors, to avoid any form of interference, influence, or disruption of the registration process. “We strongly urge citizens and political actors to refrain from actions that seek to interfere with, influence, or disrupt the registration exercise,” the statement read. Any suspected irregularities, the NCCE advised, should be reported through proper legal channels rather than through extrajudicial means that could threaten national stability.
In light of the fast-paced digital environment, the NCCE issued a firm warning against the spread of hate speech, abusive language, and misinformation. Such actions, it said, are not protected forms of free speech but rather dangerous catalysts for conflict that erode social cohesion.
Political leaders and influential figures were reminded of their duty to act as moral guides for their supporters. The NCCE called on all political parties and stakeholders to publicly condemn and distance themselves from individuals engaging in inflammatory or toxic rhetoric. “There is no place for toxic rhetoric in our democratic discourse,” the statement declared, adding that a united stand against divisive language would help preserve the peace and stability that Gambians cherish.
The appeal comes at a sensitive time, as the country prepares for high-stakes elections. Chairman Sise, who assumed leadership of the NCCE in March 2026, highlighted the collective responsibility of all Gambians to protect the integrity of the electoral process.
