Gambia electoral media preparedness

In preparation for the December 5, 2026, presidential election, Gambian authorities and civic organizations have launched several capacity-building initiatives for media practitioners and government officials.

In late September, the National Council for Civic Education (NCCE) conducted a two-day training session in Wassu, CRR North. This program targeted media practitioners, civil society organizations, and community-based organizations, focusing on responsible communication, digital responsibility to counter misinformation, and promoting social cohesion.

By late October, training efforts expanded to include government communication officers and journalists. In Banjul, forty officers from various ministries and agencies participated in a six-day program on strategic communication, crisis management, and combating disinformation. Concurrently, Reporters Without Borders and the Gambia Press Union initiated a program for journalists addressing election reporting and safety. Information Minister Dr. Ismaila Ceesay noted the necessity of prioritizing accuracy to prevent the spread of fabricated political statements that could undermine public confidence.