In
launching her presidential bid for the race to State House, Dr Isatou Touray had
pushed against an attempt to unilaterally turn the country into an Islamic
Republic.
“I
reject the call to turn The Gambia into an Islamic State intended to bring
division and set us against each other. I will uphold and reinforce the secular
republican status of the constitution, where every Gambian will be free to
practice his or her religion in accordance with their faith,” she said.
Unlike
other nations, Muslims and Christians in The Gambia have lived harmoniously,
which is an exemplary country for religious co-existence and tolerance, even
celebrating each other’s festivals, she added.
“I will bring the smile back to the face of
the people of the Smiling Coast by investing more in the productive base of the
economy, in private as well in the public sector.”
She
added: “We will create more jobs that would motivate the young generation of
school leavers and job seekers to remain in the country. We will motivate and
encourage Gambia scholars and academics abroad to return and contribute their
quota.”
Dr
Touray further told the cheering crowd that they would encourage and lure the
private sector to open opportunities to the young people to earn a decent
living, and fulfill their dreams.
“We
must preserve The Gambia for our children and the future generation and must
open the doors for development.”
She
said together with the youths and the men of the country, they would work to
bring about unprecedented development in record time.
She
further said that a human rights framework and perspective would continue to be
central in their approach to issues, as they strive to restore the dignity and
integrity of all Gambians and all those who chose to live in The Gambia.
“We
commit ourselves to democracy and good governance, as we address the emerging
issues of the state in order for The Gambia to gain its rightful position in
the world.”
Together,
she went on, they could change that direction towards the path of economic
growth, creating wealth, creating jobs for the youth, rewarding the hard work
of Gambians across the country, upholding the fundamental rights and freedom of
Gambians, the rule of law, and the promotion of women’s rights, and the
national interest and security of The Gambia.
