By Nelson Manneh
Gambians are open to electing female and young candidates to political positions, as shown in a recent survey conducted by the Center for Research and Policy Development (CRPD). The findings challenge long-standing barriers to these groups’ inclusion in leadership roles, indicating a public push for greater equity in political representation.
The CRPD’s opinion poll, designed to gauge public attitudes on women’s and youth’s roles in Gambian politics, highlights both the opportunities and challenges for these groups in participating at local and national levels. The CRPD plans to use these insights to guide policy strategies aimed at fostering a more inclusive political environment in The Gambia.
“More than half of the citizens (58%) disagree with the notion that women are less capable leaders than men,” said Sait Matty Jaw, Executive Director of the CRPD. “This misconception has hindered the election of women to the National Assembly, but this survey shows a significant shift in public sentiment.”
Jaw also noted that perceptions about barriers to female leadership extend to young candidates as well.
“41% of citizens identify male resistance as a major factor holding women back from political success,” he said, adding that challenges for young candidates are seen as similarly influenced by societal attitudes, indicating that Gambians support increasing access to political opportunities for both groups.
The survey revealed strong confidence in the leadership potential of women and youth. “Citizens overwhelmingly believe that both groups are interested in leadership roles,” Jaw added. “77% of women and 65% of men believe that women are less corrupt than men.” However, this belief is not universal, as 21% of men and 16% of women disagree.
Beyond political inclusion, the survey sheds light on citizen satisfaction with government communication. Only 16% of respondents expressed satisfaction, while 52% were dissatisfied, and 27% suggested it could be improved. Trust in government communication varies significantly: “57% reported some trust, but 37% expressed low or very low levels of trust,” the report noted.
Information sources also differ between rural and urban citizens, with radio being the primary source in rural areas (40%) and social media in urban areas (51%). Trust in media information varies as well, with 55% expressing partial trust, 22% complete trust, and 16% a lack of trust.
The CRPD report also highlights the need to improve healthcare services, identification of document issuance, and other governmental services to boost citizen satisfaction. Significantly, Gambians do not oppose female or young candidates assuming leadership roles, and many support introducing a quota system to elect women to the National Assembly.
“Citizens are calling for increased opportunities for women and youth in leadership,” the report concludes, advocating for policy changes that facilitate this shift towards more inclusive representation in Gambian politics.
