GPU Warns Politicians Against Hate Speech Ahead of December Election

By Dawda Baldeh

The Gambia Press Union (GPU) has warned political parties and presidential candidates against hate speech, intimidation and misinformation ahead of the December 5 presidential election, urging stakeholders to protect the country’s democratic process.

GPU President Isatou Keita said the nomination of presidential candidates marks a critical moment in the country’s democratic journey and called on political actors, supporters and citizens to demonstrate restraint, tolerance and respect for differing political views.

In a statement on Monday ahead of the nomination process, Keita stressed that elections should be driven by ideas and policies rather than hostility and division.

“Elections should be a contest of ideas, not hostility; of vision, and not division,” she said.

She urged presidential candidates to present clear policy proposals and practical solutions to national challenges, warning that personal attacks, hate speech, misinformation and inflammatory rhetoric could undermine public confidence and democratic discourse.

The GPU president also highlighted the responsibility of journalists and media houses in ensuring credible election coverage, insisting that accuracy and verification must take precedence over speed and speculation.

“Every report, headline, image, and social media post should be guided by the principles of fairness, independence, and public interest,” Keita said.

She further raised concerns about the safety of journalists covering political activities, calling on security agencies to ensure media practitioners can perform their duties without intimidation, obstruction or harassment.

The Union has designated a Safety Officer who will remain on standby throughout the electoral period to receive complaints, respond to incidents and coordinate assistance for journalists facing threats or attacks.

Keita also urged media houses to provide reporters with adequate logistics and strengthen their digital security to guard against coordinated disinformation campaigns.

She warned that journalists must not become targets of political intolerance, emphasising that a free press is essential to a peaceful, credible and transparent election.

“A peaceful election begins long before polling day. It begins with the choices we make in our words, our actions, and our commitment to democratic principles,” she said.