“Progress, not promises” is what The Gambia needs, says Dr. Isatou Touray, who launched her presidential campaign on Saturday with a broad policy agenda targeting constitutional reform, economic transformation, education, energy, agriculture and governance.
Speaking to supporters at the launch of her campaign in Brikama, the former vice president pledged to recommit to efforts to pass a new constitution. She argued that the nation must construct what she called the Third Republic in order to complete its democratic transition.Dr. Touray argued that the constitution should support democratic government rather than consolidate power in the hands of a small number of people, saying that it must belong to the people.
She stated that leadership based on honesty, openness, and responsibility will be necessary to restore public confidence in the government. She said that under a Touray administration, appointments would be made on the basis of competence and merit, oversight mechanisms would be strengthened, and public resources would be managed responsibly.Democracy is built on strong institutions, not strong people, she assured her supporters.
In her speech Dr Touray spoke about education and called it the country’s most important long-term investment. She promised to improve literacy, increase access to science, technology and digital learning, modernise technical and vocational education, support educators and upgrade school facilities. She also promised to expand educational opportunities for vulnerable children, saying that no Gambian should be denied an education because of poverty, disability, gender or geography.
On the economy, “Many young Gambians still have to search for better opportunities outside due to a lack of job opportunities,” Dr. Touray said. She vowed to increase support for small businesses and productive industries while prioritizing the creation of jobs through entrepreneurship, innovation and economic diversification.
Energy will be another top priority for her administration, she said, citing high energy costs and unreliable electricity supplies as ongoing barriers to economic growth.Increasing access to reasonably priced and dependable electricity, bolstering energy infrastructure, boosting investment in solar power and rural electrification, and preparing youth for jobs in the renewable energy industry are all part of her suggested energy agenda.
Dr. Touray pledged to modernise agriculture by increasing irrigation, bolstering farmer cooperatives, enhancing processing and storage facilities, and improving market access. According to her, the goal is to transition from subsistence farming to value-added agricultural output that can increase food security and create jobs.
She also pledged to strengthen legislative safeguards for women and girls, boost support for women-owned enterprises, and increase the number of women in leadership and decision-making roles.DR. Regarding health care, Touray pledged to increase funding for community healthcare services, medical staff, infrastructure, and necessary medications while making mental health a national priority.
She reaffirmed her commitment to justice and reconciliation for victims of previous human rights violations while calling for long-overdue reforms in the security sector to boost professionalism and rebuild public trust.Technically, there isn’t a Third Republic since we’re still dilly-dallying,” she stated. “A Third Republic has been established with a lot of resources and effort, but because it serves the interests of a select few, there have been rejections and covert opposition. By working together, we can use sustainable energy, innovation, and education to drive national development.We can establish the Third Republic of The Gambia together.”
Dr. Touray urged Gambians living abroad to continue being actively involved in national matters and to play a significant role in the nation’s growth. He also urged them to take part in elections and contribute to the nation’s future.”Today, I extend an invitation to all Gambians—young and old, men and women, rural and urban, at home and throughout the diaspora—to participate in this national movement,” she declared. “We can improve our democracy if we work together. By working together, we can give our youth possibilities. We can create an economy that benefits regular families if we work together.”
Dr. Touray ended her address by saying that the next Presidential election should be viewed as a decision on the future of the nation and not a contest of personalities. “This election is not about divisions or personalities. The choice of honesty, skill and service is crucial. We can build the Third Republic of The Gambia together. It’s progress, not promises. Prioritise people and the nation.We’ll deliver together.”
