Mr President, as our country approaches another electoral season, Gambians deserve more than campaign promises. They deserve a clear public commitment from every presidential candidate, political party and aspiring representative: that power is a trust, elections belong to the people, and leadership must serve the dignity and wellbeing of all.
That is the purpose of The Gambia Citizens’ Charter for Democratic Leadership. It offers a democratic social contract for the road to the elections and beyond - a shared standard against which citizens can assess those seeking public office.
The Charter begins with equal citizenship. Every eligible adult citizen should be able to register and vote freely, safely and secretly. Every qualified citizen should have a fair opportunity to seek public office. Women, young people, persons with disabilities and communities often left at the margins must be able to participate fully in public life.
Mr President, democracy also requires rules that apply beyond a single election. The Charter calls for a constitutional amendment limiting a president to two five-year terms, whether consecutive or not. This is a proposal for reform, not a description of current law. The 1997 Constitution remains in force and provides a five-year presidential term without a two-term maximum. The Constitution (Promulgation) Bill 2024 was rejected at its second reading in July 2025. Any new term limit must therefore be pursued through lawful constitutional procedures, with open public debate and clear transitional arrangements.
The Charter also asks leaders to treat adequate housing as a basic human right and pursue it progressively through fair land administration, affordable programmes, secure tenure and protection against arbitrary eviction. A right to housing should bring measurable duties and steady progress; it should not be sold as an instant promise of a free home for every household.
These commitments reach well beyond voting and housing. They call for an independent and trusted electoral process; protection of free expression, the press, peaceful assembly and association; equal treatment before the law; access to justice; and essential services such as education, health care, food, water and social protection. They call for decent work, transparent public contracts, action on corruption, stronger local government and fair development across all regions. They also ask leaders to protect the environment and reject political appeals that stir ethnic, regional or religious hostility.
Mr President, a charter matters only if the public can track its delivery. Each signatory should publish an implementation plan with responsibilities, timelines, budget implications and annual indicators. Mr President, Government should report publicly on progress, explain shortfalls and hold hearings across the regions. Citizens, the National Assembly, courts, media and civil society must be able to scrutinize the results. And all who seek to lead.
Mr President, please endorse this Charter publicly. Let every candidate state what they will do, how they will fund it and when citizens can expect to see progress. The people’s vote grants authority; it also carries an obligation to listen, account and serve. A stronger democracy begins when leaders make that obligation clear - and keep it.
Good day!