Bensouda, who is also the Mayor of Kanifing Municipal Council, declared that his government would adopt a tough approach to murder, insisting that anyone convicted of taking another life should face the ultimate punishment, claiming: “Under President Talib Ahmed Bensouda, under our judicial system, if you kill someone, you will be subjected to death,” he told the crowd to thunderous applause.
The pledge formed part of a wider agenda that Bensouda presented as a decisive break from President Adama Barrow’s administration. He promised institutional reforms, constitutional changes, and measures aimed at reducing poverty and corruption.
Bensouda dismissed concerns over the long‑awaited Local Government Commission report, saying its findings posed no obstacle to his candidacy. “Local Government Commission, I already have my report on it, and nothing is stopping me from contesting this election in 2026. Nothing can stop my candidacy in this world,” he said defiantly.
Among his headline promises, Bensouda vowed to introduce a two‑term limit for the presidency and amend the Public Order Act to prevent police from deciding who can hold rallies or protests. “Police should not determine who can conduct rallies or not. Police won’t decide who is allowed to protest. We all know police are meant to provide security,” he said, while praising the Gambia Police Force as among the best in the world.
On institutional independence, he argued that key national offices should be free from presidential appointment powers. “Police, the National Audit Office, IEC Chairman, and the Central Bank Commissioner will all be independent of the President,” he declared.
Bensouda also pledged to privatise the National Water and Electricity Company (NAWEC), opening the door for private investors to provide water and electricity services, adding: “Coalition 2026 under the leadership of President Talib Ahmed Bensouda will sell NAWEC and allow the private sector to provide these services,” he said.
Ending poverty, he stressed, would be the coalition’s main goal, alongside entrusting national security to Gambians. He told supporters that, with strong leadership, The Gambia could become “the Singapore of Africa.”
The rally also featured sharp criticism of the Barrow administration, with speakers citing insecurity affecting women, flooded roads, and youth irregular migration.
