It provides direction, unity of purpose, and the framework for policy formulation and management of both public and private institutions. Without effective governance, citizens’ lives risk becoming poor, short and nasty.
If governance itself is so critical, how much more the electoral process that serves as the gateway for leaders to occupy the corridors of power?
The Gambia is widely recognized in the international community for its democratic credentials, peace and freedom. This reputation was not earned on a silver platter. The road to becoming a citadel of democracy in West Africa has been bumpy, rough, full of potholes, and at times life-threatening.
Yet, as if in a dream, The Gambia has once again reached another milestone in its democratic journey. Our democracy is now in the laboratory, undergoing another acid test. The question before us is simple: will our country triumph, or will it falter?
With the December 5th, 2026 presidential election just a stone’s throw away, Gambians are on tenterhooks, uncertain of what the future holds — stability or turmoil. Must we always be bitten by this merry-go-round where every election year the national atmosphere becomes tense?
Our political space is too often poisoned by venomous and provocative language, tribalism, and unprintable derogatory remarks from so-called elder statesmen. Political actors must hit the brakes on this “do-or-die” mentality if we are to preserve peace.
A Call to Responsibility
Political parties, both established and emerging, and all public institutions must respect the laws of the land. The media, as the Fourth Estate, has a duty to sanitize its platforms by adhering to media laws and ethical standards.
The Gambia Press Union and other stakeholders must supervise the media earnestly and crack the whip whenever unethical conduct occurs, without fear or favor. We must purge online spaces of misinformation and hate if we are to protect our democracy.
The independence and neutrality of the electoral management body, the IEC, is the manure for consolidating our democracy and guaranteeing peaceful elections.
The IEC and its staff must conduct themselves in a manner that leaves no room for suspicion of partisanship. The functions of the Electoral Commission are clearly laid out in the Constitution of The Gambia, and the IEC must do exactly that.
Security, Citizens and the Stakes
Our security apparatus has the responsibility to shield The Gambia from pockets of unrest that could degenerate into something far worse. Security institutions must not rest on their oars. They must ensure that the tranquility of the state is sustained and strengthened before, during and after the elections.
The electorate, though eager to see their preferred parties and candidates prevail, must conduct themselves civilly.
We are living witnesses to the electoral violence in our sub-region that has claimed precious lives and destroyed property. The Gambia cannot afford to follow that despicable trajectory. The contest for political power should not be a fight of insults, violence or innuendoes. It must be a contest of ideas, ideologies, competence and capacity to deliver.
The Gambia is bigger than any individual, group, or political party.
Conclusion
Let us remain calm and vote peacefully on December 5th, and emerge more united and stronger than ever before. In that way, we can collectively chart a better path for the Gambian people.
It goes without saying that the recent diplomatic misstep that exposed The Gambia to international ridicule is shameful and condemnable. Such faux pas reflect a crescendo of mismanagement and irresponsibility. There is more to this blunder than meets the eye.
Gambian politicians must learn that governance is serious business, and anyone who treats it otherwise must face the full weight of the law. Never again, in light of the revelations of the Janneh Commission and the TRRC, should we allow selfish, short-sighted policies to subject the entire nation to ridicule and a status of incompetence.
