Abuse of Local Authority in Documentation
A major concern is the involvement of Alkalolu and Seyfolu in issuing birth certificates and attestations. This practice undermines the integrity of national documentation and should not be permitted. Obtaining such documents must remain an individual responsibility, free from coercion, inducement, or political influence.
The alleged manipulation of administrative institutions by the incumbent government demands urgent scrutiny by opposition parties and civil society. A “Speak-Up Policy” should be introduced to empower parties, candidates, and citizens to report unethical, immoral, or illegal activities before, during, and after elections.
Misuse of State Resources for Campaigning
Concerns also extend to the misuse of state resources for partisan advantage. Foundation stone-laying ceremonies for road projects, allegedly funded by public resources, are being used for political gain. Similarly, the “Meet-the-People Tour” is described as highly politicised, with government vehicles, fuel, logistics, and allowances reportedly deployed to support the incumbent’s campaign.
These actions occur openly, under the observation of the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) and on social media, creating an uneven playing field that disadvantages opposition parties. Repeated at every stage of the electoral cycle, such practices amount to systemic abuse of state power and could predetermine outcomes, undermining free and fair elections.
Structural Gaps and Broken Reform Promises
There are also structural issues within the governance framework, particularly the absence of term limits and other safeguards in the 1997 Constitution. These gaps enable potential self-perpetuation in power.
Reflecting on the post-2016 transition, many are disappointed that earlier promises of reform have not materialised. Significant public funds were spent on constitutional reform, commissions of inquiry, and other initiatives, yet many outcomes remain unimplemented. This has deepened public distrust.
Questions persist about the independence of key institutions, including the National Audit Office, the Office of the Inspector General of Police, the Central Bank of The Gambia, and the IEC. The perceived compromise of these bodies is said to foster corruption rather than development.
Governance Record Since 2017
The governance record since 2017 is critiqued for neglect, corruption, and mismanagement across sectors. Agriculture, in particular, has suffered from ineffective policies, leading to declines in both subsistence and commercial farming.
Large-scale infrastructure projects, such as road construction, are viewed as politically motivated rather than development-driven. Allegations of inflated contracts and kickback schemes suggest misuse of public funds for private gain.
Call for Urgent Reforms
The current trajectory poses a serious threat to democratic governance. Urgent reforms are needed to ensure elections are free, fair, transparent, and credible. A united opposition coalition is proposed as a necessary step to safeguard democracy and prevent the entrenchment of power.
Ultimately, The Gambia’s future prosperity depends on leadership grounded in integrity, accountability, and respect for the rule of law. Only through such leadership can the will of the people be genuinely expressed and upheld.
