The National Council for Civic Education (NCCE) has called on all eligible Gambians, especially first-time voters and young people, to actively participate in the ongoing supplementary voter registration exercise, describing a voter’s card as “your voice and your primary tool to shape the democratic future of The Gambia.”
In a statement released on Monday, the NCCE commended the generally smooth conduct of the registration process, which began on April 8 and is scheduled to end on May 21, 2026. The nationwide exercise, organized by the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC), aims to update the voter register ahead of the December 5, 2026, presidential election.
NCCE Chairman Momodou A. Sise emphasized that the constitutional body responsible for civic literacy has been conducting intensive voter education campaigns across the country while closely monitoring registration centers.
“We note with satisfaction the smooth progress observed in most registration centres,” the statement read. However, the NCCE urged particularly first-time voters, those who have recently turned 18 or will attain that age by December 5, 2026, persons with disabilities, and anyone without a valid voter’s card to seize the opportunity to register.
The council reminded citizens that registration is strictly governed by law.
Under Section 13 (1)(a) and (2) of the Elections Act, 2025, applicants must prove Gambian citizenship and meet the minimum age requirement of 18 years. Acceptable documents include a Gambian Birth Certificate, National Identity Card, Passport, or an Attestation by an Alkalo or Seyfo as prescribed by law.
The NCCE issued a stern warning against any form of deceit in the process. “Attempting to register through deceitful means is a serious violation of the law,” it stated, citing Section 111 (1) and (2) of the Elections Act, 2025. Offenders face a fine of D500,000, two years’ imprisonment, and a ten-year disqualification from registering to vote or voting in any election.
The statement also addressed growing concerns over the sharing of individuals’ personal data and identification documents on social media, often accompanied by allegations of ineligibility. The NCCE described such practices as “a gross violation of privacy” that could incite harassment or violence. It reminded the public that these actions infringe on rights protected under the 1997 Constitution and the Personal Data Protection and Privacy Act, 2025.
“Political actors and the general public should verify information before sharing and refrain from digital vigilantism,” the council advised.
Furthermore, the NCCE clarified that registration centers are intended solely for registering eligible voters and issuing cards, not for resolving legal disputes or conducting trials.
It noted isolated incidents of confrontations over eligibility and document verification, describing them as “uncalled for.” Any challenges to registrations, the statement explained, should be pursued through the Revising Courts after the provisional voter list is published, as provided under Section 27 of the Elections Act, 2025.
The NCCE appealed to all stakeholders, including party agents and observers, to respect the boundaries of their rights: “You have the right to observe, but not to obstruct. You have the right to disagree, but not to harass or create chaos.” It stressed that the exercise of rights must never undermine national peace or the dignity of fellow citizens.
The council called for greater collaboration among stakeholders, particularly urging authorities responsible for issuing official documents to maintain the highest standards of integrity to support the IEC in producing a credible voter register.
“Let us work together for a credible, transparent, and peaceful process,” the statement concluded. “Your vote is your mandate—register today to shape the future of The Gambia.”
The supplementary voter registration is seen as a critical step in strengthening The Gambia’s democratic institutions ahead of the 2026–2027 electoral cycle. Officials expect hundreds of thousands of eligible citizens to take part, with registration centres operating daily, including weekends and public holidays.
