International IDEA convenes stakeholders to promote peaceful, inclusive and credible elections in The Gambia

Under its project, “Promoting Peaceful, Inclusive, and Credible Presidential and Parliamentary Elections in The Gambia,” International IDEA conducted a preventive diplomacy mission from 29 September to 2 October 2026. The mission was led by H.E. Dr. Mohamed Ibn Chambas, serving as Eminent Person.

The mission was supported by three nationally trusted Moral Guarantors: the President of the Supreme Islamic Council, the President of the Christian Council and a Senior Representative of the civil society. Together, they supported dialogue and inclusive consultations among political actors and key national stakeholders to help prevent electoral violence, promote peaceful political engagement and build consensus around commitments to credible and peaceful elections.

During the mission, H.E. Dr. Mohamed Ibn Chambas and members of the Preventive Diplomacy Mission paid a courtesy visit to the State House, where they met with H.E. Adama Barrow, President of the Republic of The Gambia. The mission also engaged with the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC), including its leadership and staff, as well as political parties, allied partners and other key electoral stakeholders.

As part of the mission, on 1 October 2026, International IDEA convened a consultative dialogue on peaceful and credible elections in The Gambia. The dialogue brought together representatives of civil society organisations, religious authorities, the Inter-Party Committee and the media to exchange perspectives on the evolving electoral environment and identify practical measures to strengthen peace, public confidence and responsible participation throughout the electoral process.

The dialogue underscored the distinct yet complementary roles of these stakeholders in promoting transparency, citizen engagement, community-level peacebuilding, responsible public discourse and accountability. Their participation also provided an important platform to discuss how political and social differences can be managed constructively and how citizens can participate freely, peacefully and meaningfully in the electoral process.

These engagements provided an opportunity to exchange views on the electoral environment, identify emerging concerns and explore opportunities for strengthening cooperation among national stakeholders ahead of the December 2026 presidential election and the April 2027 parliamentary elections.

The consultations will contribute to the development of a ‘Peace Pact’ that would provide a common framework for political parties and other relevant stakeholders to reaffirm their commitment to peaceful political engagement, respect for democratic processes and the prevention of electoral violence.