It is unfair to occupy the people with unending political exchanges between the two main power contenders. If this tendency continues, it could prove costly politically for both sides in the race to power in 2026. The development aspirations of the people have not been articulated in the public discourse.
Instead what we are hearing these days is political rivalry, political bigotry and political extremism. When the people are confused in the political debates, many will look up to alternative forces to align themselves with in the 2026 elections. We should learn lessons from the 2021 Presidential elections and the 2023 Local Government elections.
The NPP won in the former on the protest votes against the opposition and the opposition won in the latter on the protest votes of the opposition against the ruling NPP.
We might as well learn lessons from the surprising election outcomes in Senegal and recently in South Africa. The political climate in Africa is so unpredictable that overconfidence and overestimation could produce devastating blows to aspirants for the seat of power if they are not careful in political posture. The politics of GARUWALE and TESSANTE must end to give peace a chance and for the development of the country to proceed accordingly.
Instead of telling Gambians about their agendas for tackling the burning issues of the day and how to address them, nothing concrete is coming from politicians that will heal the wounds of the economy and satisfy the peoples desire for sustainable means of livelihood.
The people don’t eat Manifestors, they count on what they see for real life situations and prosperous living conditions. Development is for nothing if it is not felt by the people. How to move the country forward should be key in the political discourse than the politics of attacks and procrastinations. This is not elections time, it is time for work for peace and development.
We therefore expect politicians to tell us about their ideas for moving The Gambia forward and not their perceptions of each other’s leadership and Party outlook. Small- mindedness breeds low thinking society and big thinking mindedness breeds a great country. The intellectual and professional capacity is here with us to think big, act big and achieve a great and prosperous country.
We need answers and solutions to the myriad of problems the country is faced with in recent times. With discipline and our ‘ collective intentionality’, we can be on the pathway to national prosperity.
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