National Youth Parliament Urges Young Gambians to Reject Violence Ahead of 2026 Election

By Fatou Sillah

The National Youth Parliament opened its first ordinary session of the 2026 legislative year with an appeal to young Gambians to reject political violence, misinformation, and divisive rhetoric as the country prepares for the December presidential election.

Jabou Sisawo, speaker of the National Youth Parliament, told delegates that young people, who make up a significant share of The Gambia’s population, have a particular responsibility to help shape the country’s political future.

She said the session, the first of the 10th Youth Parliament, would focus on democratic participation, electoral integrity, peaceful elections, political tolerance and accountability, as well as responsible citizenship, digital responsibility, and youth leadership in governance.

With the election approaching, Deputy Speaker Bukary Gaye said young people should use their influence to promote peaceful political participation rather than become vehicles for division.

“As our nation prepares for another electoral cycle, young people must champion peace, tolerance, and responsible citizenship,” Gaye said. “We must reject violence, misinformation, disinformation, hate speech, and division and instead champion dialogue, inclusion, and national unity.”

His remarks reflected broader concerns about the role young people could play during an increasingly active political season, particularly as campaigning and political debate intensify ahead of the election.

Joy Michael, a gender specialist with the United Nations Population Fund, also addressed the gathering, telling delegates that the country’s future should not be viewed as something distant.

That future, she said, was already represented by the young people in the room—through their ideas, courage, and choices. She urged them to invest in that future and work collectively to build it.

The session brought together young leaders to discuss their role in strengthening democratic participation, promoting good governance, and preserving national unity ahead of The Gambia’s 2026 presidential election.