The Gambia: NDI warns hate speech could threaten 2026 election

The National Democratic Institute (NDI) has issued a warning regarding the potential for hate speech to intensify ethnic tensions and identity politics during The Gambia’s upcoming presidential election on December 5, 2026.

Following a five-day international pre-election assessment mission, NDI co-leader and former U.S. Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield reported that while preparations for the election are broadly on track, there are significant concerns regarding deteriorating political discourse. The mission noted that while political, civic, and media freedoms have improved since the 2016 transition, the country requires further constitutional and legal reforms to consolidate these democratic gains.

The delegation met with President Adama Barrow, the Independent Electoral Commission, and various political and civil society leaders. They urged political candidates and supporters to refrain from inflammatory rhetoric and called for continued transparency and peaceful participation to ensure the credibility of the electoral process.