A Shift in Gambian Political Culture: The Historic 2021 Presidential Debate

Hon. Halifa Sallah, PDOIS presidential candidate debating on policies and programs at the 2021 presidential debate

As the 2021 presidential contest approached, the CPD, in partnership with the National Democratic Institute, organized the first ever presidential candidate debate. In the lead-up to the debate, the Commission consulted all six nominated candidates, including the incumbent president, and all promised to attend the debate. On debate day, however, two of the six presidential candidates chose to participate. The four candidates who abstained faced public backlash as voters turned to social media, newspaper commentaries and other local platforms to register their disappointment. 

Hon. Halifa Sallah (L) and Essa Mybe Faal (R) posing for a picture moments after the presidential debate

The 2021 presidential debate set a new bar for political debate in The Gambia. The buzz generated by the event, and the backlash against candidates who chose not to participate,  have set high expectations that more presidential candidates will be willing to debate publicly in the next election. NDI plans to continue to assist the CPD as they lead the way in entrenching substantive policy discourse in Gambian politics by building public pressure to compel candidates to participate in debates, including those held ahead of the National Assembly election in April 2022. In so doing, NDI and the CPD hope to create civic awareness, encourage accountability and help voters make informed judgements about the nation's leaders. 

NDI is a non-profit, non-partisan, non-governmental organization that works in partnership around the world to strengthen and safeguard democratic institutions, processes, norms and values to secure a better quality of life for all. NDI envisions a world where democracy and freedom prevail, with dignity for all.