Inclusive and Stakeholder-Centred Elections

Promoting Inclusive and Stakeholder-Centred Elections in The Gambia

Soma, The Gambia | 31 August – 4 September 2026

For five days, electoral stakeholders gathered in Soma, Lower River Region, for a BRIDGE training on “Inclusive and Stakeholder-Centred Elections.” The training brought together representatives of the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC), political parties, civil society organisations, media and other key electoral actors.

The objective was to strengthen participants’ understanding of inclusive electoral processes and explore practical ways of ensuring that all stakeholders and citizens can meaningfully participate throughout the electoral cycle.

A key message from the training was that the right to participate does not automatically guarantee meaningful participation. Through stakeholder mapping, role plays, case studies and group discussions, participants examined barriers faced by women, youth, persons with disabilities and other groups, while identifying opportunities to strengthen their participation.

The sessions on the IEC mandate, independence, ethics and decision-making highlighted the importance of balancing institutional independence with transparency, communication and constructive stakeholder engagement. The exercise “Who Owns the Decision?” helped participants distinguish between decision-making authority, consultation, participation and accountability.

Participants also explored electoral boundaries, voter registration, candidate nomination, electoral-cycle vulnerabilities and dispute resolution. These practical exercises demonstrated that inclusion must be considered at every stage of the electoral process, not only on election day.

The five-day programme culminated in an electoral integrity crisis simulation, allowing participants to apply their learning in a realistic and challenging situation. The exercise highlighted the importance of dialogue, communication, negotiation, impartiality and collaborative problem-solving in managing electoral risks and maintaining public confidence.

Beyond knowledge acquisition, the training created a valuable space for dialogue and mutual learning among electoral stakeholders. Participants shared experiences, challenged assumptions and reflected on their respective responsibilities in building more credible and inclusive elections.

The training concluded with a shared understanding that inclusive elections are built through inclusive processes. Strengthening stakeholder engagement, improving access and participation, identifying risks early and maintaining open channels of dialogue are essential to building trust in electoral institutions and democratic processes.

The experience in Soma demonstrated that stakeholder-centred elections are not simply a technical responsibility. They are a collective democratic commitment requiring institutions, political actors, civil society, media and citizens to listen, engage and act together.