As the clock ticks, everybody should bear in mind that peace is the most important asset we have as Gambians and we should safeguard that under any circumstance.
As today marks the final day of three weeks intensive campaigns, what we have seen, witnessed and anticipated so far is evidence enough that peace will be the end of the day even after the results have been announced and we therefore encourage and congratulate every Gambian to keep up that momentum.
This election is important, as it is the first since the ouster of former Gambian dictator, Yahya Jammeh, who is now in exile in Equatorial Guinea.
Meanwhile, in this new democratic dispensation, the country is faced with numerous challenges. From hike in the price of basic food commodities, to skyrocketing prices of even non food items, which is alarming.
Another worrying issue is the rise in tribal sentiments, something that is tearing the country apart. Tribal rhetoric is a threat to any thriving democracy. And in this election, we’ve seen how political leaders are campaigning for all to do away with tribal politics.
The attack against one ethnicity and another in The Gambia is becoming a cause of concern. People should be very careful tribal and religious matters, because they are always sensitive and can be very divisive.
Gambians under the first republic knew no tribe, all they know and see is ‘One Gambia’.
The present generation should be told the truth. The country’s founding fathers ensure that there is political tolerance and the presentation generation can take a cue from that. Together we can make the Gambia a shining example among the community of nations.
Politics based on tribe can’t take us anywhere. In order to develop as a progressive nation, citizens must put aside their tribal differences.
What politicians and all who want to assume leadership should know is that Gambia is a country with its citizenry cutting across all corners. This is based on the fact that due to harmonious coexistence and in the process inter-marry.
We inter-marry, schooled-together, raise and conduct all our businesses and affairs in the spirit of one nation, one people, with one destiny. This, many believe, is the hallmark which has characterised our beloved country over the years.
Importantly, The Gambia has been widely credited for its openness and tolerance. It is only under a climate of tranquility, tolerance and rule of law that a peaceful Presidential election can be conducted.
The Gambia is a country of peace and moral values and if these attacks against tribes are not put to a halt, they could have the tendency to escalate into something else.