By Alieu Ceesay
The National Youth Parliament (NYP) of The Gambia is witnessing an unprecedented wave of enthusiasm as 146 young candidates have thrown their hats into the ring for the 2025 Youth Parliament elections, reflecting a vibrant push for youth leadership. However, the stark gender disparity among candidates—85% male and only 15% female—has sparked urgent calls for action to address barriers to women’s participation in political spaces.
The NYP Electoral Committee, led by Chairman Babucarr Nyang, announced the figures during a press conference, highlighting both the promise and challenges of this historic electoral process. Of the 146 qualified candidates, only 23 are female, while 123 are male. “This sharp decline in female participation is not just disappointing; it is a call to action,” Nyang declared. “It challenges us to dig deeper into the barriers that young women face in accessing political spaces. It compels us to reflect on how our systems, support networks, and societal expectations may be failing them.”
The nominations, drawn from all seven administrative regions of The Gambia, underscore the nation’s youth’s eagerness to lead. A total of 176 nomination forms were issued, described by Nyang as “symbols of opportunity, hope, and belief in leadership.” The regional breakdown of candidates is as follows: West Coast Region (WCR) with 39 candidates (32 male, seven female), North Bank Region (NBR) with 21 candidates (19 male, two female), Kanifing Municipal Council (KMC) with 25 candidates (16 male, nine female), Upper River Region (URR) with 16 candidates (15 male, one female), Central River Region (CRR) with 28 candidates (26 male, two female), Lower River Region (LRR) with 17 candidates (16 male, one female), and Banjul (BJL) with three candidates (2 male, one female).
Despite the robust response, three candidates were disqualified for breaching electoral standards, though specifics were not disclosed. Nyang emphasized the NYP’s commitment to transparency, innovation, and accountability, noting that the election process mirrors national best practices. The NYP recently concluded a Training of Trainers session, equipping volunteers and electoral staff with the skills to ensure a fair and credible process.
The gender imbalance remains a pressing concern, reflecting broader challenges in Gambia’s political landscape. Nyang urged stakeholders to “invest meaningfully and intentionally in preparing and encouraging young women to pursue public leadership roles.” He called for breaking down barriers and amplifying the voices of young women to achieve true gender equity and inclusive democracy in future elections.
The NYP election, which will utilize paper ballot voting, is poised to serve as a platform for civic education, democratic participation, leadership incubation, and social transformation. Clerk Abdoulie O. Bah and speaker Fanta Sanneh also addressed the press, emphasizing the election’s significance and the need for transparency and accountability. “This is the first electoral process of its kind in the history of the National Youth Parliament,” Nyang noted. “It is not without its shortcomings, but it is rich in vision, ambition, and courage.”
Despite facing technical challenges, logistical hurdles, and financial constraints, the NYP Electoral Committee remains steadfast. “Democracy should never be postponed due to financial challenges,” Nyang asserted. “The will to lead must be stronger than the challenges we face.”
As the election approaches, the NYP is poised to set a precedent for youth engagement in governance. The candidate surge signals a generation ready to shape the future, but the gender gap underscores the need for systemic change to ensure all voices are heard. With the nation watching, the 2025 Youth Parliament elections promise to be a milestone in fostering inclusive leadership and democratic values among Gambia’s youth.
