2026 Presidential Election: PPP denounces Barrow’s third-term bid

The  news has generated widespread criticism from activists and opponents amid challenges the country is currently grappling with.

In an exclusive interview with The Point on the party’s stand on the president’s third-term bid, Ousman Madikeh Faal, the Leader and Secretary General of the PPP, explicitly stated that term limit is a fundamental pillar of democratic governance that the PPP holds very high.

“In the interest of democracy he (President Barrow) should step down and make history. This would set an honorable example to successors in Government leadership, and would also serve as an accolade to his legacy since people will remember his last benevolent act as a leader who put country and democracy above self-preservation,” he said.

Faal said Barrow’s decision to step-down is necessary to enable reposition the Gambia as a trusted democratic institution to the rest of the world.

He said the PPP firmly believes that term limits are crucial for strengthening democracy, promoting leadership renewal, and preventing the concentration of power in the hands of the few.

The PPP SG also believes that leadership rotation ensures accountability and breathes new life into the country's political institutions, while preserving the trust and confidence of the people they serve.

“Under our current leadership, the PPP categorically opposes any attempts to introduce or justify a third term for the presidency. Such an agenda not only undermines democratic norms, but also weakens public trust in our political institutions - something we cannot afford,” the he told The Point.

He said while his party encourages its members to express their views responsibly concerning Barrow’s third term bid, he maintained that it is important to clarify that the PPP is not calling for protests or civil unrest.

The PPP, he added, respects the current Constitution of The Gambia, which, he said as it stands, does not explicitly provide for presidential term limits.

He described PPP as a party committed to strengthening the rule of law, constitutionalism, and peaceful democratic transitions, as the party upholds the legal framework of the nation.

“The PPP’s commitment to leadership rotation is longstanding; term limits are enshrined in our Party Constitution as a reflection of our dedication to internal democracy and institutional integrity. We believe firmly that no leader should hold power indefinitely—our country’s future depends on strong institutions, not strong individuals,” he said.

To this end, he maintained that the PPP will continue to actively advocate for the entrenchment of a two-term presidential limit in the national Constitution through proper constitutional reform and a national referendum.

This, he believes, also aligns with the democratic aspirations and will of the Gambian people.

“Let us all work together to strengthen our democracy, uphold the rule of law, and ensure that The Gambia’s future remains in the hands of its people through transparent and accountable leadership,” he said.