Rejecting Power-Clinging Leaders: A Call for Democratic Vigilance in The Gambia
By: Kemo Kanyi
In a powerful address that cut to the core of The Gambia’s democratic challenges, National Unity Party (NUP) leader Dr. Lamin J. Darboe has issued a clarion call for civic action. Speaking at his first major political rally in Gunjur since assuming leadership, Dr. Darboe urged Gambians to actively reject any leader who views the presidency as personal property and seeks to overstay their constitutional mandate.
The High Cost of Stagnant Leadership
Dr. Darboe framed his argument within the broader historical context of The Gambia’s political development. “Leaders who think that the State House is theirs and therefore should not leave that office – I believe Gambians must not elect such personalities,” he stated. This warning is particularly poignant for a nation that has seen only three presidents in its six decades of independence—a statistic that often correlates with entrenched power and limited political renewal.
He described a country with “stagnating growth,” where development has failed to match the nation’s potential despite its abundant natural and human resources. This stagnation, Darboe argued, is a direct consequence of governance models that prioritize the longevity of individuals in power over the long-term progress of the nation.
The Power of the Electorate: Dressing and Undressing Leaders
One of the most compelling metaphors from Darboe’s speech centered on the fundamental nature of democratic power. “Gambians wore the shirt of power on the president and can strip it off if he fails to serve the interests of the electorate,” he declared. This vivid imagery reinforces a critical, yet often forgotten, democratic principle: sovereignty ultimately resides with the people, not the office-holder.
This concept is the bedrock of accountable governance. It moves beyond periodic elections to encompass ongoing civic engagement and the willingness to hold leaders to their promises. In practical terms, this means robust legislative oversight, a free press, an independent judiciary, and an active civil society—all essential checks against the consolidation of power.
Learning from Regional and Global Examples
The dangers of leaders overstaying in power are not theoretical. Across Africa and the world, extended tenures have frequently led to diminished economic innovation, the erosion of institutions, and the suppression of political dissent. Conversely, nations that enforce constitutional term limits often experience more dynamic political landscapes, peaceful transitions of power, and greater policy responsiveness to citizens’ needs.
For The Gambia, emerging from over two decades of Yahya Jammeh’s rule, this lesson is especially raw. The post-Jammeh era presents both a cautionary tale about the perils of entrenched autocracy and a unique opportunity to build stronger democratic safeguards.
A Critique of Past and Present Governance
Extending his critique beyond abstract principles, Dr. Darboe addressed the tangible outcomes of poor governance. He cited “worsening conditions across sectors” as the primary motivation for his presidential bid, implicitly criticizing both former and current administrations for failing to meet the aspirations of the people.
“The Gambia cannot improve despite its abundant resources due to poor governance,” he asserted. “Progress is only possible under a government that manages resources responsibly and prioritizes national development.” This statement highlights the direct link between leadership ethics, resource management, and national prosperity. It suggests that when leaders focus on retaining power, their attention is diverted from the complex, long-term work of economic planning, social service delivery, and institutional strengthening.
The Path Forward: Embedding Accountability
Dr. Darboe’s rallying cry is more than campaign rhetoric; it is a blueprint for a more resilient Gambian democracy. The call to action implies several key requirements:
1. Informed and Vigilant Citizenship: An electorate that understands its power and is willing to exercise it not just at the ballot box, but through continuous engagement.
2. Strong Institutions: Building courts, electoral commissions, and anti-corruption bodies that are impervious to manipulation by sitting executives.
3. A Culture of Service: Fostering a political ethos where public office is seen as a temporary trust, not a lifetime possession or a vehicle for personal enrichment.
Ultimately, Dr. Lamin J. Darboe’s message in Gunjur serves as a timely reminder. The health of The Gambia’s democracy depends not on the benevolence of any single leader, but on the unwavering commitment of its citizens to the principles of rotation, accountability, and service. It is a call to move from a passive model of democracy—where power is given and forgotten—to an active one, where power is loaned, monitored, and reclaimed if abused.
This analysis is based on an original report. Full credit for the initial coverage goes to the source. We encourage readers to seek out the original article for further insights and direct reporting.