By Sirrah Touray
Representatives of all 24 registered political parties in The Gambia gathered in Banjul this week and pledged to uphold peace and tolerance as the country prepares for presidential elections in 2026.
The meeting was part of a training for political parties, youths and women’s branches of the Inter-Party Committee held at the Banjul City Council Hall.
IEC Chairman Joseph Colley commended the IPC for organising the engagement at a critical time. “We are all gearing up for the 2026 presidential election. The IPC is an important entity in the electoral process. Rolling out this training is a testament to its commitment to electoral integrity,” he noted.
Colley said the sessions covered voter participation, civic rights and responsibilities, prevention of electoral violence and youths and women engagement. He urged participants to share the knowledge gained with their parties and communities to promote political tolerance and social cohesion.
Banjul Lady Councillor Isatou Jobe called on the women to take up leadership roles. She said many women were previously not aware of their electoral rights but trainings conducted by the electoral commission have helped to change that. “It is time for women to start taking leadership roles and positions and stop always clapping for men,” she said.
Deputy Mayor of Banjul City Council, Aziz Dabakh Gaye, speaking on behalf of the mayor, said the council hall should serve as a civic space for national conversations. He encouraged participants to take the lessons into their communities.
Participants were told that loyalty to peace must come before loyalty to any political party. The IPC said it will continue to work with the IEC to ensure that the 2026 election is peaceful, credible and inclusive.
IPC officials recalled that the committee was formed to provide a permanent table for dialogue and to prevent electoral violence.