There
are two features, two crucial mechanisms that MUST be present and in place for
Democracy to stand, survive and flourish.
And
these two mechanisms or features are:
1):
The smooth transition of power, and
2):
Term Limits.
As
to the first, we, as a Nation, are unsure if we do have or possess that
mechanism. We have not tested yet if we have a “smooth transition of power”.
Throughout
our history of self-rule, we have only had two incidents of transfer of power,
and both times were not what you would call “smooth transition” of power. The
1994 coup was not a “smooth transition” of power, and 2017 was certainly not
another smooth transition.
And
so, after all is said and done, as a Nation, we have not yet tested whether or
not we have the mechanisms in place to endure a prominent feature of democracy:
the smooth transition of power.
And
as to term limits, I submit we are far away from that. The CRC (Constitution
Review Commission) is yet to make any recommendation that have been adopted or
incorporated into the Constitution and become law. This means that as you read
this, the 1997 Constitution, with all its flaws, is still LAW of the Land. You
do not need to be reminded that the 1997 Constitution was adopted during the
Jammeh regime, and which Dictator Jammeh used brilliantly to solidity his
brutish rule. And that 1997 Constitution made no reference on term limits for
high political offices.
The
Barrow government was generally considered and perceived to be a “transitional
government”, and as such, was expected to put in place the mechanisms to ensure
term limits and the “smooth transition” of power. And by all indications,
estimates and forecasts, it is safe to ascertain that Adama Barrow will not be
receptive to any suggestion of term limits, especially term limits of only two
terms.
And
if Adama Barrow wins this upcoming election, The Gambia will still not have
tested whether or not it can ensure a smooth transition of power. So,
throughout our self-rule to date, well over half a century now, and counting,
The Gambia has not peacefully transitioned power from one leader to another
within its own borders.
True,
our young and fragile “Democracy” is still at its infancy, but until the
mechanisms are in place, the “baby steps” needed are going to be fraught with
hiccups that are anything but democratic. On the contrary, the mechanisms need
to be in place so that the “baby steps” this Young Democracy takes will be
rested on concrete, solid foundation.
It
all starts with the Constitution and ends with the Constitution. The 1997
Constitution needs a complete make over, a thorough sober and drastic overhaul.
In
a few months, political parties and politicians will start gearing up for the
campaign season, leading up to the presidential election in early next year
Is
The Gambia truly ready for Democracy?
True,
the pluralism of our politics breeds diverse participation, albeit concentrated
in one or two dominant players, but the future of our political discourse and
landscape will benefit enormously from a fresher, newer and younger dynamism if
and when term limits are in place. And this is what our Young Democracy needs
the most at this crucial junction in our history.
Term
limits should not only be considered for the Presidency, but also for the
Legislature, that is, the National Assembly members. Imagine for a second, both
the Presidency and National Assembly members have a term limit of two five-year
terms, or some other term limits, as determined by the Constitution.
The
two, smooth transition of power and term limits, work in tandem.
It
is difficult, or even impossible, to say you have a smooth transition of power
or term limits when it is the same Folks who have been there for donkey years.
We
all understand different political or non-political landscapes operate under
different sets of circumstances, events and so on. AND as such, we must give
the Gambia a sense of hope not shrouded in, or wrapped around egos,
self-centered perspectives, interests or other ulterior motives.
As
a Nation, it would be extremely Difficult, if not, Impossible, to totally and fully
eliminate the Vices of Cronyism and Favoritism, BUT together we can, again, as
a Nation, minimize and reduce its dreadful impact on our socio-economic and
political development. Democracy, TRUE Democracy allows for diverse points of
view, tolerance and participation. Are we TRULY ready for that as a Nation?
BY : Abdul Savage
Retired,
US Army
Member,
Military Order of the Purple Heart
Member,
Veterans of Foreign Wars.