Gambiaj.com – (BANJUL, The Gambia) – The Centre for Policy, Research and Strategic Studies (CepRass) has commenced nationwide data collection for its National Endowment for Democracy (NED)–supported Issue-Based Opinion Poll, following a two-day intensive training session and a full-day pilot test of its survey instruments.

According to the institution, trained enumerators were deployed across all regions of The Gambia on Tuesday to gather citizens’ views on major national concerns.

The comprehensive questionnaire covers a broad range of topics, including the economy, governance, politics, elections, security, accountability, public services, and the media.

CepRass says the goal of the poll is to generate credible, evidence-based insights that strengthen citizen engagement and inform advocacy efforts for more transparent and accountable governance.

The study also seeks to promote an inclusive democratic culture by amplifying the voices of youth, women, and marginalized communities.

The findings, once released, are expected to guide advocacy campaigns, policy dialogue, and media engagement in the lead-up to the 2026 elections. Stakeholders will also be able to use the results to identify priority reforms in electoral processes, governance, and service delivery.

Described as one of the most extensive issue-based surveys ahead of the next electoral cycle, the poll will give Gambians a platform to assess the country’s direction on key matters such as economic conditions, security and policing, constitutional reform, corruption, accountability, youth participation, civil space, electoral fairness, trust in institutions, media freedom, and access to essential services.

CepRass expressed gratitude to its enumerators, supervisors, trainers, and its partner, the National Endowment for Democracy, for supporting the nationwide exercise.

The institution said it will release periodic updates as work progresses and reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening democracy through evidence-driven research.