Proliferation of political events and presidential candidates can complicate the political panorama, resulting in an influence vacuum in The Gambia

The proliferation of political events and presidential candidates can complicate the political panorama, resulting in an influence vacuum in The Gambia. Buffoons aspire to the presidency of The Gambia. 

Alagi Yorro Jallow.

Part I

Fatoumatta: Recently, I encountered a presidential hopeful in Manhattan, donning an American sack go well with and necktie, clutching a briefcase, his hurried apparel and weary demeanor contrasting with the nice and cozy summer season air. My concern was twofold. Firstly, for this politician aiming for the 2026 presidential election within the Gambia, why would somebody who hasn’t but addressed the fundamental requirements of grownup life aspire to its highest workplace? Secondly, my dismay prolonged to our nation, which has reached such a peculiar state that an outsider, scarcely literate and with a restricted worldview, might significantly announce his candidacy for President, satisfied of victory as a result of he believes his concepts are extensively accepted.

The concern arises when a rustic of three million folks has over a dozen political events, most of which have by no means participated in any election. A former politician remarked, “Not everything that flies are ideas.” What we observe is extra a sequence of disturbances to our peace than the presentation of viable concepts and political applications that may rework the nation. It appears anybody feels referred to as to create a company or motion and to steer, even when it’s only a handful of individuals. The collective endeavor is barely embraced if it means main the pack, fostering self-promotion, and succumbing to the attract of management. A mixture of an insatiable starvation for energy, ego, the pursuit of subsidies, and a keenness for media consideration creates a mix that obliterates any probability for clear and convincing politics.

Observing the presidential candidacy race within the Gambia, some candidacies appear fairly laughable. It makes one query whether or not the candidates understand the ridicule they provoke amongst residents. It’s dramatic to imagine the function of a statesman or girl prepared for the best workplace when, in fact, they seem to residents as puppets who, at a celebration, can be suggested to retire and sleep off the fervor that the evening tends to incite.

In 1962, at a press convention, General De Gaulle spoke about the way forward for the French political panorama after his departure: “What ought to be feared, in my view, will not be the absence of politics, however slightly its extra! In the Gambia, the abundance of candidates, political events, and actions in every electoral district is amusing, regarding, and, most significantly, legitimizes, in my opinion, the institution of a stringent electoral legislation requiring a considerable deposit of thousands and thousands of Dalasi to the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC). In the legacy of President Barrow, there will likely be constitutional and electoral reforms, which I regard as considered one of his most interesting legal guidelines, although it might nonetheless be improved.

Politics is a critical affair, to not be taken flippantly. In the custom of the Westminster system, a presidential election represents an encounter between a candidate and the populace. It is neither a trend present nor a good, and positively not a contest of catchy phrases for leisure and buzz.

Governance is inseparable from the information, understanding of a rustic’s historic context, and mental substance. An educational could lack competence and cultural consciousness, whereas a employee, like Lula of Brazil, could possess mental brilliance. The elected President ought to be among the many most discovered people in a nation. Aspiring to steer requires years of diligent preparation, acknowledged political and technical experience, a sturdy mental presence, and a profound understanding of statecraft. Seeking the Gambian voters’s assist will not be a trivial pursuit; it carries immense accountability, gravity, and a heightened sense of obligation inherent in presidential selections that have an effect on lives. It is predicted that political careers in our nation start with a declaration of candidacy and the institution of a political get together or motion for the presidential race. Therefore, any perceived frivolity in a candidate’s method is obvious to the discerning citizen.

With lower than 24 months to go earlier than the December 2026 elections, there’s a surge in purposes from political events, actions, alliances, and coalitions. Journalists with no expertise managing a newsroom are aiming to control a nation. The unemployed are saying candidacies and creating political events to present themselves a platform. Civil servants are discovering their calling, whereas the impetuous youth imagine that bombastic rhetoric is a quick observe from Marina Palace in Banjul to the Statehouse. Indeed, these are disheartening instances.

Fatoumatta: In The Gambia, the youth have performed a pivotal function in championing democratic reforms and advocating for good governance. Their participation is important, contemplating that over 60% of Africa’s inhabitants is underneath the age of 30. Through the formation of political events and coalitions, they guarantee their voices are heard and their pursuits represented in governance. While The Gambia could not require quite a few political events, usually perceived as arising from egocentric motives, this phenomenon legally embodies the train of particular person rights. The freedom to affiliate stays a basic facet of democracy. Nonetheless, you will need to replicate on whether or not a large number of political events, notably these established for private acquire, really enhances our electoral system.

Fatoumatta: Exciting political developments are happening in The Gambia! Influenced by the Senegalese political get together PASTEF (Patriots of Senegal for Work, Ethics, and Fraternity), a collective of younger Gambians has initiated a comparable motion. PASTEF, established by Ousmane Sonko, a politician recognized for his populist and insurrectionist views, appeals strongly to the youth. The newly introduced PASTEF The Gambia has laid out its imaginative and prescient for nationwide unity, efficient governance, and sustainable growth.

The group  based on media experiences is concentrated on addressing key points akin to corruption, financial reforms, and the empowerment of girls and youth, whereas selling inclusive governance and systemic change. According to a media report, its Secretary General, Momodu Jallow, a newcomer to Gambian politics, acknowledged, “Our vision is grounded in national interest and steadfast patriotism, and we are committed to unity and collaboration to foster development.” Additionally, journalist Gibbi Jallow, previously with King FM, is establishing the Gambia People’s Liberation Party (GPLP). He has submitted his utility to the Independent Electoral Commission with the intention to run within the 2026 presidential election. Jallow’s aim is to contain younger Gambians in politics and sort out urgent points akin to political and electoral reforms, job creation, and anti-corruption initiatives. These occasions replicate a rising aspiration amongst Gambian youth to take an energetic function in figuring out the way forward for their nation.

Fatoumatta: The growing political engagement of The Gambia’s youth, who’re establishing actions and coalitions in preparation for the 2026 presidential elections, is a heartening growth. This motion is a part of a wider pattern throughout Africa, the place the youthful technology is progressively assuming management roles and steering the route of their nations’ democratic trajectories.