It is interesting and politically incomprehensible that the NPP/ APRC Alliance performed well in the last Presidential Elections and performed poorly in the Local government elections. From the rhythm of current NPP politicking, it seems the said alliance is not working on the politics of sustainable relationships and recognizing the need to balance its political gains in the future.
The politics of rivalry between the NPP and UDP is taking the center stage in the democratic process. It is to be noted however, that the political space is wider than two political parties. If the bitter rivalry continues between these two parties, the end results could produce absentee voter turnout in the next elections or rejection of both parties by the angry and frustrated voters. It is a political danger whether the Parties recognize it or not in the current political process. The emergence of new political parties is on the horizon.
The potential for new alliances exists. It will not be an easy ride to State power in 2026. It will take a serious, saleable strategic political mobilization platform for any Party to win the hearts and minds of the people. The politics of high expectations for victory could produce disastrous election outcomes. It is the politics of the head and mouth (articulation) rather than the politics of the heart that will work and lead to victory. The people will also have to choose between the politics of bread and butter and the politics of development.
As I see it, the fundamental mistake is that there is no issues- oriented politics in the political discourse. It is mostly about personality attacks, party rivalry and promises. Following the political trend in the current campaigns, it is to be said that President Adama Barrow must be credited for articulating the achievements of his government and what he will continue to do for the country by way of development.
Most of the other Parties are condemning the government for its policies and programs in various sectors of the economy. But they are not saying how and what they will do when in power. Political assurances in this context matter a lot to win voter confidence. The politics of ideas is mostly needed in this troubling national and global times. If we don’t know where we are going as a country and a people then any road will lead us there and that may not be pleasant. The Gambia Today is in a state of political uncertainty. Hence the intense politicking all over the country. How it will all end, is anyone’s guess.
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