Dr. Ismaila Ceesay, Gambia’s Minister of Information, has affirmed that President Adama Barrow possesses the constitutional right to pursue a third term in office should he decide to do so. His comments were made in reaction to the statements issued by Demba Ali Jawo, the Edward Francis Small Centre For Rights and Justice, and Alagie Saidy Barrow.
During an appearance on West Coast Radio, Dr. Ceesay addressed the concerns raised by critics, confidently stating that the law permits the president to run in the 2026 election.
“By the way, The Francis, small something, I can’t recall the name, it’s a one-man operation.” His thoughts, whether present or absent, hold no significance. Demba Ali Jawo is entitled to share his views as a citizen of this country, just like Barrow (Alagie) and every other individual. However, countless Gambians are not facing that concern and are not discussing it. The discussion revolves around the fact that the law allows President Barrow to run for office, should he choose to do so. Anyone who seeks to halt that is acting against the law, which can be classified as insurrection. “You cannot accept a country where there is lawlessness,” Dr. Ceesay stated to West Coast Radio.
Dr. Ceesay highlighted that there is no legal restriction preventing the president from seeking a third term and that any opposition to his candidature ought to be conveyed through democratic channels.
“However, as long as the law permits him to run, he is free to do so if he desires, and no one can prevent it.” Individuals are entitled to express their viewpoints. What they can do is have one vote each; if they are dissatisfied with how he’s managing the country, they should wait for the elections and vote against him. That is the utmost they are capable of achieving. “However, if the laws permit him to run, they cannot prevent him from doing so,” he stated.
The minister emphasised that the final authority lies with the electorate.
“And no one can halt it. It is important to highlight that no one can prevent His Excellency, the President, from pursuing a third term if that is his desire. “What you can do, the only power they possess is their vote, and it’s not to vote for him, but for anything else; they have no other powers,” he stated.
