Your recent move is what is expected of a good and visionary leader. You’ve amply demonstrated that leadership stance, despite differences in political ideology, all geared towards building a better nation.
Mr President, it is an undisputable fact that as humans, we are bound to have or belong to different political parties. But that shouldn’t be a reason to hate or have ill-intention against one another. In fact that is the beauty of political pluralism - respecting each other’s opinion. It is important people always exercise maturity and not to be overcome by our egos.
Let’s remember that politics comes and goes, but our relations are here to stay. And bearing in mind the close-knit society we are, there is no reason or cause that politics should divide us or create hatred or enmity among us.
The Gambia referred to as the Smiling Coast of Africa is for a reason. Apart from our religious differences, we share many things in common - language, culture and tradition, and above all, we intermarry. As you rightly stated in your congratulatory message, your “conviction that the strength of our democracy rests on the principles of political pluralism, tolerance and mutual respect, among all political actors” says it all. These words should serve as a yardstick for all political players to learn from.
Mr President, as we face yet another defining moments in our country’s political calendar - the 2026 presidential elections, it is important we nurture and preach peace and tolerance. Allowing individuals and groups to express their divergent views is critical in strengthening the country’s democratic standing. This also serves as a cornerstone and adds to the lifeblood of any functioning and healthy democracy.
Politicians have the right to sell their different agenda to the electorate. But in so doing, they shouldn’t play the tribal card or utter remarks that have the tendency to stir up hatred and create misunderstanding in society. The Gambia has been known as one of the most peaceful countries on the face of the earth with open arms to embrace visitors and investors. This hospitality is what continues to attract thousands of people from around the globe to our shores.
Mr President, your message serves not only as a gentle reminder; it is also one that will inspire countless other political stakeholders especially on the need to promote peace. Noted recently in the political space of the country is the increasing rate of hate speech and bigotry, sometimes from political stakeholders who are vying for office, leaving much to be desired.
It is high time authorities took a stance on those found wanting of character assassination and of making derogatory remarks via social media against one another. Let's embrace a healthy democracy by respecting the choice of people as we approach the December 2026 polls. Also, it is important as citizens to always exercise our civic rights by participating in national elections and voting for candidates of our choice.
Mr President, we should always advocate and promote democracy especially considering the country’s brutal past. In so doing, we should jealously safeguard and protect the peace and unity of the country. In this light, there needs to be more civic education to sensitise the masses about our roles and responsibilities as citizens.
Finally, Mr President, as we rest our case for now, we would like to highlight that political leaders, whether in political organisations and parties or state power, should be mindful of overstaying in power or leadership positions, for that could always lead to adverse ramifications. So, all are advised to avoid overstaying in power.
Good day!