As humans, we are bound to have or belong to different political parties. In fact that is the beauty of it, but that is where people should manifest maturity in dealing with it.
The Gambia is such that we are all related directly or indirectly. Being such a small community, virtually we’re all related knowingly or unknowingly. It is important we are in control of our utterances.
The Gambian leader and National People’s Party flagbearer in the 2026 presidential election has called on party supporters to rise above unethical behaviour, divisive political tactics and malicious commentaries and articles, especially on social media.
Adama Barrow made this call last Saturday while addressing delegates and party militants at a well-attended second non-elective NPP congress held in Soma, Lower River Region.
While challenging party militants to reject propaganda that incites hatred, violence, and disunity, he instead, called on them to champion a culture of dialogue, respect, and solidarity. This is what is expected of a good leader. And his call couldn’t have been much-clearer and important as the country fast heads to an election year with 2026 polls being months away.
Importantly, we hope other political party leaders in the country preach similar messages to their supporters.
It is important to highlight that his remarks come amid a surge in ‘undesirable’ utterances in some cases involving political leaders in the country. Political leaders have a great role to play in fostering and cementing our relations. They should always campaign on ideals that will promote and strengthen the social fabric of our various societies, rather than on issues that will ignite division.
As Gambians we have a nation to build. And this calls for the concerted efforts of all to make these ambitious goals are achieved in the not too distant future. Currently, the country is witnessing improvement in all spheres of development. However, compared to others even within the sub-region, there is need for adjustment to be in tandem with others.
Let’s have in mind that there can be no democracy without elections, and there is no democracy without opposition. So oppositions are important stakeholders in any country as they expose the government’s ills and shortcomings for swift and pragmatic interventions.
Also, in the broader context the government should see oppositions as important partners in development. They should in no way be confused with “hostility” to the government, as the whole idea above all, is to build a nation that will deliver to the needs and aspirations of the citizenry.
Globally, governments have their challenges and shortcomings and that is where oppositions take chances to call for change.
Therefore, as the country fast approaches the 2026 presidential polls, let’s all embrace unity and peace so as to not only ensure but also strengthen the development we all yearned for. Let’s always remember that no one will come from outside to develop this nation for us.