Africa-Press – Gambia. The National Council for Civic Education (NCCE) has urged citizens and political actors to refrain from any actions that could disrupt the supplementary voter registration exercise scheduled to run from 8 April to 21 May 2026.
In a statement, the Council described the exercise as a key stage in the country’s 2026–2027 electoral cycle and called on eligible Gambians, particularly first-time voters and those without valid voter cards, to take advantage of the opportunity to register.
The NCCE said the voter card remains the essential requirement for participation in the presidential election scheduled for 5 December 2026, as well as the parliamentary and local government elections in 2027.
While encouraging public vigilance to ensure transparency in the process, the Council warned that such engagement must remain within the bounds of the law.
It reaffirmed that the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) is the only constitutionally mandated body responsible for conducting voter registration and elections, in line with Section 43(1)(a) of the 1997 Constitution.
The Council urged political parties, their supporters and the general public to avoid any conduct that could interfere with or undermine the registration process, warning that such actions could threaten peace and public order.
It added that complaints or concerns arising from the process should be addressed through established legal and institutional channels, rather than through self-help measures.
The NCCE also expressed concern over the spread of hate speech and misinformation, particularly on digital platforms, describing them as threats to national cohesion and democratic stability.
It said political leaders have a responsibility to guide their supporters and should distance themselves from individuals engaging in inflammatory rhetoric.
In a statement signed by its Chairman Momodou A. Sise, the Council called for collective responsibility in safeguarding the integrity of the electoral process and urged Gambians to approach the registration exercise with discipline, patriotism and respect for the law.
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