Hon. Ousainou Darboe’s recent statement in Essau exposes not strength, but desperation. Poor attendance on the UDP’s so-called nationwide tour appears to be weighing heavily on its leadership, and instead of sober reflection, the party has once again resorted to inflammatory rhetoric, fear-mongering, and veiled threats of confrontation. Gambian youths are awake now. This is not 1996, not 2016, and certainly not an era where young people will die for anyone’s personal lust for the presidency.
Let us speak plainly—and factually.
The Law Is Clear: No Third Term Exists Under the 1997 Constitution
President Adama Barrow is serving his first term under the 1997 Constitution, elected in 2021. The 2016–2021 transition period was explicitly recognized as a transitional mandate, not governed by term limits under the current constitutional order. This is not opinion; it is constitutional fact. Until a new constitution is adopted and applied retroactively—which the UDP itself failed to deliver while controlling key state institutions—the two-term limit under the 1997 Constitution does not bar President Barrow from contesting in 2026.
Political arguments cannot override constitutional law.
UDP’s Selective Amnesia on Promises and Failures
It is deeply ironic for UDP leaders to accuse others of broken promises when:
The UDP failed to deliver a new constitution despite controlling the National Assembly.
The party walked away from national consensus and compromise.
UDP leadership prioritized party dominance over constitutional reform.
Promises do not become law simply because they are repeated at political rallies.
A Dangerous History the UDP Refuses to Confront
Before lecturing the nation on accountability, Hon. Darboe must answer serious moral questions:
How many lives were cut short during moments of political unrest fueled by confrontational opposition politics?
How many Gambians were jailed, intimidated, or dragged into prolonged legal battles because of UDP-led political brinkmanship?
How many women were widowed, and how many children orphaned, because politics was turned into a do-or-die struggle for State House?
These are not rhetorical flourishes; they are real consequences of reckless leadership. Gambians remember April 2000. Gambians remember violent protests. Gambians remember the cost.
.No One Has a Monopoly on Democracy
The UDP does not own democracy, does not interpret the constitution alone, and does not decide who may or may not contest elections. Democracy is upheld through institutions, courts, laws, and ballots, not street pressure or threats of “action” outside legal frameworks.
Any call that hints at unrest or confrontation is not democratic—it is irresponsible.
The Youth Are No Longer Tools
Gambian youths today are educated, aware, and politically mature. They are demanding jobs, development, stability, and peace—not recycled slogans and political intimidation. No sensible youth will sacrifice their life so that one man or one party can fulfill an endless ambition for power.
Leadership means restraint. Leadership means respect for the law. Leadership means putting country above self.
. 2026 Will Be Decided by Ballots, Not Bullets
If the UDP believes it has the people, then the path is simple: campaign peacefully, present policies, and face the electorate. But attempts to delegitimize constitutional processes or incite public anger will fail. Gambians want peace, continuity, and lawful governance—not chaos disguised as activism.
Conclusion
Hon. Darboe should pause, reflect, and recalibrate. Politics should not be driven by frustration over empty grounds and fading influence. The Gambia has suffered too much to return to politics of anger, threats, and division.
The law will prevail. The people will decide. And the future of The Gambia will not be hostage to any individual’s ambition—no matter how loud their voice at a rally.
Enough is enough.
No comments:
Post a Comment