CSO Coalition on Elections, The Gambia

Press statement on the arrest of GALA Members.

The arrest of young Gambian men and women for attempting to commemorate the one year anniversary of GALA should be cause for concern for every Gambian. 🧵

Standing with #GALA. The right to assemble is not a favour, it’s Section 25 of our Constitution. I commend Hon. ML B. Bah for demanding release or charges within 72 hours. A country of law does not arrest activists without charge.

Integrating Artificial Intelligence (AI) into Election Observation Methodologies A Practical Framework for African Observer Groups. AI is the next logical step in African election observation, not a revolution. The integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) into election observation methodologies represents not a revolutionary departure from established practices, but rather a natural evolution that enhances analytical capabilities while preserving the human judgment essential for credible democratic oversight. This paper provides a practical framework for how African observer organizations can strategically integrate AI technologies across the electoral cycle to strengthen democratic oversight on the continent. The paper first diagnoses the limitations of conventional observation, then outlines a practical AI integration framework, and finally sets out the limits and safeguards required to keep observation human centred. #ElectionsZW Read more: ercafrica.org/publications.h…

Clarification on Voters' Card issued in 2016

Gambian Media, CSOs Reject Government’s Proposal to Register Journalists, Social Media Users Fajara, 10 April, 2026 - The Gambia Press Union (GPU) and media industry stakeholders, including regulatory and professional associations, academic, and civil society groups have “totally rejected” a government proposal to register journalists, online media, and social media users in a resolution on Wednesday. The new regulations, proposed by Ministry of Information and the state-controlled agency, the Public Utilities Regulatory Authority (PURA), also include provisions that seeks to moderate online content and would reverse gains made in press freedom and freedom of expression in The Gambia. At an emergency meeting held at the GPU on 8th April, 2026, stakeholders resolve that the State-controlled registration and accreditation regime gives unlawful and arbitrary powers to the government to decide who practices journalism or not. “The regulations give PURA the powers to register, suspend registration or revoke registration of journalists and influential social media users,” GPU Secretary General, Modou S. Joof, said. “The proposed regulations on journalist and social media users’ registration and online media licensing fall outside PURA’s statutory powers and therefore constitute an unlawful exercise of administrative authority.” According to the resolution signed and endorsed by 16 professional media associations, regulatory and professional associations, academic, and civil society groups, the proposed regulations do not only restrict freedom of expression online, but also promotes state censorship, news and online content moderation, and interference editorial independence. The GPU, Media and CSO stakeholders have also resolved to not give any credence to PURA’s proposal by not partaking in activities that seeks to enforce them. “We hereby totally reject the proposal,” GPU President, Isatou Keita, said. “We cannot participate in the proposed consultations on the Broadcasting and Online Content Regulations, 2026; Broadcasting and Online Content Licensing, Registration and Authorisation Guidelines, 2026; and Journalists Registration Guidelines, 2026, since our participation would be seen to legitimise the proposed state-controlled system of accreditation and registration of journalists, online media, and social media users.” The stakeholders also agreed that no journalist, journalists’ association, media houses or social media users should register with PURA, only to have their constitutional right to practice journalism, to seek employment in The Gambia or to seek, receive and impart information, or to freely express themselves online, arbitrarily taken away from them. The parties to the resolution also agreed that the proposed regulations will be challenged in domestic and regional courts at the appropriate time if they come into effect and are enforced. They recommended that the government immediately abandoned its plan to impose a general State system of registration and licensing of journalists, online media, and social media users. They also proposed for the Gambia government to strengthen the Media Council of The Gambia (MCG), which was setup by the GPU in line with the Declaration of Principles on Freedom of Expression and access to Information in Africa, which states that “States shall encourage media self-regulation which shall be impartial, expeditious, cost-effective, and promote high standards in the media. Conferring absolute authority on a state-controlled institution like PURA, which is prone to political and executive influence, is inconsistent with Principle 17 of the Declaration which states that “a public regulatory authority that exercises powers in the areas of broadcast, telecommunications or internet infrastructure shall be independent and adequately protected against interference of a political, commercial or other nature.” .................... For inquiries, Contact GPU Secretary General

Join Our Team! TANGO is hiring a Regional Programme Officer for the CSO House in Basse! Are you passionate about development work, community engagement, and strengthening civil society? This is your chance to be part of impactful change. 📍 Basse 📌 Apply now! #TANGO

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TANGO wishes you and your loved ones a blessed and joyful easter celebrations.

Civil Society statement on Media Regulation, Rule of Law, and Recent Human Rights Developments in The Gambia

State of the Nation Address 2026

Recruitment of voter registration officers.

Recruitment of voter registration officers. iec.gm/public-notice-…

As The Gambia marks 61 years of independence, we reaffirm our shared commitment to unity, peace, democracy, and national development. This anniversary is not only a moment of celebration, but a time to renew our collective responsibility to uphold the values that bind us as one.

Meet our nominees under the Gender Equality and Social Inclusion Champion Award We are recognizing excellence in advancing gender equality and inclusive participation. #NGOCSOAwards2026

These are our nominees under the Environmental Sustainability & Climate Action Organsination Award We are honoring leadership in environmental protection and climate action. #NGOCSOAwards2026

Meet our nominees under the Youth Empowerment Champion Award. We are recognizing initiatives empowering young people. #NGOCSOAwards2026

Under the Transitional Justice Organisation Champion Award these are our nominees. We are honoring leadership in advancing truth, justice, reparations, and reconciliation.

Meet our nominees under the Human Rights and Accountability Champion Award. We are recognizing outstanding defense of human rights and accountability. #NGOCSOAwards2026