Shortly after receiving a congratulatory message from President Barrow regarding his party’s success in the Massembeh Ward by-election, the leader of the opposition United Democratic Party (UDP) responded last Saturday.
Ousainu Darboe expressed his sincere gratitude upon receiving Barrow’s letter and proceeded to discuss the UDP’s stance regarding the nation’s democratic process.
Darboe’s letter is presented in its entirety: “I would like to express my appreciation of the content and tone of the letter, which align with the longstanding position of the United Democratic Party.” Since its establishment in 1996, the UDP has consistently championed the rule of law, political pluralism, and mutual respect among political opponents, while steadfastly supporting free, fair, and transparent elections. These form the foundation of a flourishing and dynamic democracy.
The UDP has earnestly worked to establish these principles within the political landscape and in the discourse and governance of our cherished nation. We have strived to guarantee that those values are not only embedded in the Constitution and laws of the nation but are also honoured and followed in practice. As a past member of the National Executive Committee of the United Democratic Party, Your Excellency experienced firsthand the significant challenges faced by our party. I commend you for emphasising in your previous letter the principles that we cherish deeply.
As we progress, we urge you, in your capacity as the Secretary General and Party Leader of the NPP, along with your role as Head of State and government, to dedicate yourself to upholding the democratic principles within Gambia’s electoral laws and practices. It is essential to ensure that appointments to the Independent Electoral Commission are made with care and, most importantly, to oversee the rigorous enforcement of the laws, regulations, and practices that govern our electoral processes.
I respectfully request, Secretary General, to express clearly that every well-intentioned Gambian and our allies desire to witness peaceful and uneventful elections held in our nation when the time comes. Our elections ought to be marked by vibrant and spirited campaigns where we regard one another as family members competing for the same roles, and ultimately, the unsuccessful can wholeheartedly congratulate the winners as the choice of the voters. This necessitates the organisation of free, fair, and transparent elections by an impartial independent electoral commission, ensuring the integrity of the elections is unquestionable.
Your Excellency, Secretary General of the NPP, we all aspire to have an electoral commission that is functional, trusted, and respected, maintaining neutrality among all political parties and stakeholders in the nation. I encourage you, along with the leaders of other political parties, the Inter-party Committee, and all political stakeholders in the country, to diligently strive for the achievement of this goal. Your Excellency, the time is approaching for you to select the next leader of the Independent Electoral Commission.
I urge you to take this opportunity and appoint an official who possesses unwavering integrity, impartiality, and independence. It is clear that strong institutions are essential; however, these institutions require capable, independent, honest, and rational individuals to lead and manage them effectively. You have the chance to secure your legacy in history.
