The Inconsistencies in Advocating for Term Limits in The Gambia and the Contradiction of Opposition – LamToro News
Alagi Yorro Jallow
Fatoumatta: The Gambia’s democratic course of is presently hindered by perceived double requirements amongst dishonest political figures, armchair activists, and the European Union, together with the worldwide group, regarding the advocacy for time period limits. This highlights the importance of equity and respect for sovereignty, particularly in gentle of the unquestionable “Third Term” for the incumbent, President Adama Barrow, to take part within the 2026 presidential elections.
The Gambian Constitution, established in 1997, doesn’t impose time period limits on the presidency. As such, the controversy over a 3rd time period in The Gambia is just not a authorized problem however reasonably an ethical one. President Barrow faces no constitutional restrictions in looking for one other time period, affirming his proper to take action. The push for a third-term restrict by activists, politicians, and the worldwide group is creating pointless distractions and turmoil. It is crucial that real opposition, activists, and the worldwide group honor the structure and the nation’s legal guidelines. Additionally, the absence of time period limits for heads of presidency in lots of European international locations underscores a double normal within the name for time period limits in The Gambia. The emphasis should be on honoring The Gambia’s sovereignty and allowing its democratic processes to progress with out unwarranted overseas affect.
Fatoumatta: I don’t help time period limits; as an alternative, I belief within the sovereign will of the individuals, upheld by sturdy unbiased establishments. Term limits function a misdirection and an excuse for politicians who’re unprepared to problem the incumbent and lack a considerable political basis. Proponents of time period limits typically belong to part of society that harbors a way of entitlement, treating politics as a time for private achieve and selling a divisive “Them vs. Us” mindset.
The Gambia has proven the world that ousting an entrenched dictator is just not an insurmountable process. In 2017, Gambians ousted the tyrant Yahya Jammeh in an election that was free, truthful, and clear, overcoming his incumbency and management of state sources. This vital occasion was celebrated worldwide as proof of democratic progress.
The Path Forward.
Fatoumatta: If Gambians have achieved such a major accomplishment, why is there even a debate a couple of third time period? With sturdy unbiased establishments, Gambians are able to electing any chief they belief to information their nation. The opposition’s focus ought to be on preparation, reform, restructuring, and the presentation of their agendas and insurance policies for the 2026 presidential elections. The argument regarding time period limits is just not a matter of legality, however of morality.
The Paradox of Opposition.
Fatoumatta: Advocates for time period limits typically scrutinize the longevity of opposition leaders who stay of their roles with out stepping down or permitting the rise of youthful leaders. It’s paradoxical that whereas these opposition events champion time period limits, they fail to undertake such limits inside their very own get together buildings. For instance, the UDP’s main opposition determine has been contesting towards autocrat Jammeh and now Adama Barrow since 1997, with out making room for different formidable members. In The Gambia, political aspirations could be suppressed by sure events.
Fatoumatta: In conclusion, the marketing campaign for time period limits in The Gambia should be performed with equity and respect for nationwide sovereignty. The Gambian structure doesn’t implement time period limits, and thus President Barrow is entitled to hunt one other time period. It is essential for all concerned events to honor the structure and interact constructively, avoiding pointless disruptions and turmoil. We ought to place our religion within the sovereign will of the individuals and the resilience of our democratic establishments to steer us onward.
