The Gambia attained independence in 1965 and has been practicing democracy for 42 years.  Democracy is defined as a government of the people, by the people, for the people, thus citizen participation is important for democracy to survive and be relevant.

According to a model hierarchy of political participation developed by Ralph Milbraith, there are different levels of political participation by a citizen.

Here they are in descending order: Holding a public office; contesting for an elective office; soliciting political funds; attending a caucus or strategy meeting; contributing time to political campaigns; monetary contribution to a party or candidate; contacting a public or party official; wearing party buttons, materials or stickers; persuading others to vote; voting; exposing oneself to political debate.

In addition to becoming an active member of a party, debating issues and paying taxes are also evidence of participation in politics. The importance of citizen participation in the voting process cannot be understated. I hope that those who have been enfranchised with the right to vote will see the importance of utilising that right by going out to register for the upcoming local government elections.

Why democracy?

. It increases the level of participation of the people in the process of governance

. Develops a sense of common purpose, common identity and unity among the people

. Helps in enriching public policy

. Encourages peaceful negotiation and peaceful resolution of problems amongst different people and groups

. Democratic societies encourage the employment of their people and promote economic development.

Why elections?

.Motivates leaders to improve their representation of the people

.A change in leadership may signal a change in opportunities and goals

.Offers the people a chance to choose new leaders

.Adds legitimacy to leaders

.Enables citizens and organizations to have a voice in the way their affairs are operated

the first step to the process of elections is to get registered to vote. Please ensure that you are registered to vote!!!. Registration is the precondition and first step to free and fair elections; the right of every adult citizen (male and female, 18 years or older) to vote is fundamental; this ensures that each eligible citizen is registered to vote once; nobody can vote without being registered to vote; keep your voter’s card because you will be giving up your right; vote for the candidate of your choice.

Be aware of polling day offenses and please avoid fraud such as soliciting another person’s vote, canvassing for voters, discouraging any voter from voting for any particular candidate, loitering without lawful excuse after voting or after having been refused to vote, wearing or carrying any symbol relating to any political party to the polling center, being in possession of a weapon that could be used to intimidate voters, and voting or attempting to vote when ones name is not in the registry of voters.

Affirmative action for women’s political participation

Affirmative action is a temporary measure to correct the political imbalance and injustices of the past. Two people set out on a race, one was tied hands and feet, the other’s hands and feet were free; naturally, a wide gap is the result.

Affirmative action is a measure to address this injustice, close this gap and place individuals on a level playing field.

A man and a woman set out on a race; the man had everything to his advantage while the woman was held down by traditions, lack of education, lack of resources, etc.

* Make-up time has come.

* Give women a chance in politics.

* Create the enabling environment.Nominate women for elective positions.

Men and women are equal before God.

Men and women have equal rights to political participation.

Men have dominated the political space for too long.

It is time to create political space for women.

Nominate women for elective positions.

Change your negative attitudes and beliefs about women’s political participation.

Create political space for women in political parties and appoint them in positions.

Reserve seats for women only  and let’s take affirmative action.

It is important to note that democracy cannot stand without the participation of all. Women’s participation in the political life of The Gambia has been very minimal; their involvement in politics mainly limited to voting.

The political terrain during the First Republic was hostile to women’s participation and thus they were excluded from the political process.  Male-oriented and male-dominated political frameworks and structures throughout this period discouraged women’s participation and conditioned their voices to lack self-esteem and confidence.

There is also the issue of an electoral system that is not conducive to women’s participation due to a lack of gender awareness, education, party support, media interest and networking strategies.  These challenges are difficult and ongoing, but they can also be perceived as opportunities to improve our democratic process.

We cannot change the past, but we can change the future.

Be informed

1. Go and register at the registration center

2. Collect the voters card

3. Keep it very safe.

4. Your voter’s card is your power

5. Do not sell your voter’s card

6. Go and vote, it is your civic duty

7. Vote for the candidate you personally feel is the best

8. Democracy begins with you.