But as history reminds us, democracy flourishes only where patience, tolerance, and respect for the rule of law prevail.
Mr President, this is the moment to remind every Gambian from the highest office to the grassroots that peace is the foundation upon which development stands. Elections are not wars; they are contests of ideas, visions, and leadership. In a true democracy, citizens must feel safe to express their choices without fear, intimidation, or violence. Our diversity of political opinions should not divide us, but rather strengthen our democratic spirit and collective resolve to move The Gambia forward.
As campaigns take shape, maturity and restraint must guide both leaders and supporters. Political parties should train their followers to engage in issue-based politics, focusing on policies and national progress rather than personal attacks or hate speech. The media, civil society, and faith-based leaders also bear the responsibility of promoting civic education and preaching unity across communities.
The Gambia’s democracy, though nascent, has proven its resilience from the 2016 transition to the subsequent parliamentary and local government elections. Yet, every election presents a fresh test of our national maturity.
Mr President, the IEC must remain independent, transparent, and professional, ensuring that Gambians continue to trust the electoral process. Law enforcement agencies should act fairly, protecting the rights of all citizens irrespective of political affiliation. The tone set by government officials, opposition leaders, and influencers will determine whether The Gambia continues to shine as a beacon of peace in West Africa.
It is also crucial for politicians to refrain from hate speech and inflammatory rhetoric. Citizens have the right to join any political party or support any candidate of their choice, and no one should be caricatured or insulted for their political beliefs. Elections must remain about ideas, not insults.
Mr President, with 22 parties in the field, alliances are already forming. The National People’s Party (NPP) has joined forces with eight others including NRP, APRC, GPDP, NRD, NCP, Citizens Alliance, GMC, and GANU as part of a broader coalition gearing up for the presidential race. Independent candidates are also expected to contest.
In addition to the requirement that a presidential candidate must secure 10,000 signatories drawn from across the seven regions, the new bill, should the President assent to it, sets financial thresholds: D2 million to register a political party and D1 million to stand as a presidential candidate. These provisions, if enacted, will shape the political landscape and underscore the need for transparency and fairness in how they are implemented.
Mr President, as the leader of all Gambians, it is vital that you continue to rise above political bickering and set the tone for national unity. Your words carry immense weight; they can inspire peace or provoke division. Let your voice echo calm, tolerance, and reconciliation.
The youth, who make up the majority of the population, must resist being used as tools of violence. Instead, they should become ambassadors of peace and accountability. Political maturity demands that Gambians disagree respectfully, accept outcomes lawfully, and pursue change through constitutional means. True leadership is not measured by how loudly one speaks, but by how wisely one acts in moments of tension.
As the nation prepares for this democratic exercise, let us ensure that peace, fairness, and mutual respect guide the process. The people will decide at the ballot box not through intimidation or manipulation.
In the end, elections come and go, but The Gambia remains. The peace we preserve today will be the legacy our children inherit tomorrow. Let us rise above politics of division and walk together as one people, with one destiny for a peaceful, stable, and democratic Gambia.
Mr President, the message is simple: keep the peace, nurture democracy, and let The Gambia’s light of maturity shine brighter than ever before.
Good day!