A recent draft report by the joint committees of Regional Government and Lands, Ombudsman and IEC and Human Rights and Constitutional Matters revealed that the nomination fee for presidential candidates could be pegged at D1 million in the next presidential election.
In a press release signed by Abdoulie O. Bah, clerk of NYP, Bah argued that the implementation of such figures contradicts the core values of empowerment, potentially stifling the emergence of a new generation of leaders.
The youth parliament also affirmed that at the center of this debate lies the fundamental question of empowerment.
“The National Youth Parliament contends that the proposed deposit amounts, ranging from D1,000,000 for Presidential candidates to D3,000 for Councillorship candidates, pose a severe challenge to aspiring leaders, especially young individuals who may lack the financial resources of established political figures. The implementation of such figures contradicts the core values of empowerment, potentially stifling the emergence of a new generation of leaders.”
The move, according to the release comes at a time when The Gambia navigates the delicate terrain of democratic evolution and so the proposed amendments to the Election Bill demand a careful and thoughtful reconsideration.
The NYP thus advocates for a democracy that is truly inclusive, where the voices of the youth and emerging leaders resonate loudly.
“Let our electoral framework be a beacon of empowerment, inviting the aspirations of all citizens to contribute to the shaping of our collective destiny. In the ongoing journey toward a robust and inclusive democratic system in The Gambia, the proposed amendments to the Election Bill have ignited a fervent debate, particularly focusing on the exorbitant deposit amounts for candidates. As the nation strives to cultivate an environment that encourages diverse political participation, these amendments, particularly Clause 43, present a concerning roadblock to the aspirations of young and emerging leaders.” he flagged.
The electoral process, the release added, should serve as a vehicle for the robust representation of the people.
Moreover, it also suggested that the amendments threaten to create a barrier that obstructs the political participation of those who can genuinely resonate with the diverse voices within our society.
“This is particularly pertinent to the youth, who, despite being a substantial demographic, already face challenges in gaining meaningful representation within the political sphere.”
The NYP, the release added, thus calls for a reconsideration of these proposed amendments, noting that the exorbitant figures not only risk favoring the few established political entities, but also perpetuate a system that hinders the entry of fresh perspectives and voices.
“The focus should be on crafting electoral regulations that encourage a diverse range of candidates, fostering an environment where individuals from all walks of life can actively participate in shaping the nation's future. In the face of numerous challenges that require immediate attention, such as unemployment, education, and health, the focus should be on addressing these pressing concerns rather than creating financial barriers for potential candidates.”
The proposed amendments, the release continued, seems to prioritize the interests of the few over the needs of the many, and this misalignment with the broader issues faced by our society demands a critical reassessment.
