Fatoumatta: The deficit and the decline in democracy arise from the perpetual political campaigning of both the governing and opposition parties. A call for statesmanship in Gambian politics is essential. There is a time for politics, a time for governance, and a time for electoral campaigns. There is a pressing need to abandon “Sosalasso and Belly Politics.” Endless political campaigns often leads to increased rhetoric about the flaws of political involvement instead of striving for political idealism.
Alagi Yorro Jallow.
The American theologian and author, James Freeman Clarke, is often cited for his perceptive statement that resonates with the ambitions of Gambian politicians, who seem more focused on winning elections, consolidating power, and accumulating wealth. He famously said, “Politicians think of the next election; statesmen think of the next generation.” This aphorism draws a clear distinction: politicians are preoccupied with the forthcoming election, while statesmen are concerned with the future welfare of the populace. This poignant observation is especially pertinent to the Gambian political scene, characterized by incessant political and electoral campaigning. Whereas politicians are engrossed in their party’s triumph, statesmen are dedicated to their nation’s flourishing. A genuine statesman seeks to guide, in contrast to a politician who may simply conform to the prevailing currents.
Fatoumatta: In The Gambia, political campaigning often commences shortly after a president’s inauguration. Both the ruling party and the opposition are perpetually engaged in electoral strategies, prioritizing the conquest of the statehouse over addressing the people’s immediate needs. This relentless pursuit of power eclipses the core duties of governance and opposition alike. The 2026 presidential elections serve as a prime example. Despite being years away, political campaigning has been underway since 2021. The president’s “Meet the People’s Tours,” while constitutionally allowed, essentially serve as campaign events. Similarly, the main opposition party, the UDP, initiated its nationwide “Meet the People’s Tour.” Although not constitutionally mandated like the President’s tour, every Gambian or group of Gambians has the constitutional right to freedom of movement and association without hindrance. However, common sense suggests that a nation should not be preoccupied with the daily grind of politics, as the ruling party should govern and the opposition should oppose, with the realization of the people’s aspirations in mind. When will the rain cease in Gambia, where careerist politicians pose as democrats and patriots yet embody power addicts and saboteurs of democracy, disguising themselves as caretakers in the maternity ward of governance?
The unceasing campaign efforts reflect a distortion of democratic values. They shift focus from governance and policy development to electoral strategies and political maneuvering. Democracy encompasses more than mere electoral triumph; it includes governing with efficiency and responsibility. The opposition’s role is to provide constructive criticism and hold the government accountable, rather than simply preparing for the next election.
Both the governing party and the opposition appear to place more emphasis on seizing control of the statehouse than allowing the government to govern and the opposition to oversee. This constant state of campaigning promotes a political environment focused on winning elections rather than addressing the citizens’ immediate needs.
Fatoumatta:As the 2026 presidential election approaches, the pattern of early campaigning is evident. Political campaigns have been active since 2021, well ahead of the election year. The president’s “Meet the People’s Tours,” although legally permissible, effectively act as campaign events. Simultaneously, the primary opposition party, the UDP, is gearing up for its “Meet the People’s Tour” this Thursday, in the wake of the President’s tour. In the meantime, smaller parties are utilizing social media for vigorous debates through their proxies and supporters, compensating for their lack of funds for a national tour by turning to social media for outreach.
In this scenario, Clarke’s differentiation between a politician and a statesman is pivotal. Politicians in Gambia should aspire to become statesmen, considering not only the forthcoming election but also the future generations. Their focus should be on the nation’s enduring prosperity rather than immediate political victories. This entails concentrating on policies that tackle the fundamental issues of poverty, inequality, and underdevelopment, instead of remaining in a constant state of campaigning.
Fatoumatta: The people of The Gambia deserve superior leadership. They are worthy of leaders who are committed to improving their lives and creating a thriving future for subsequent generations. They are due a government that focuses on governance and policy development, as well as an opposition dedicated to presenting alternative policies and maintaining government transparency.
The relentless campaigning represents a distortion of democratic principles. It shifts focus from governance and policy development to election strategies and political maneuvering. Democracy is more than achieving electoral success; it includes effective and accountable governance after elections. It requires the opposition to engage in constructive criticism and hold the incumbent government to account, rather than just preparing for the next election cycle.
The people of The Gambia deserve a government that focuses on their needs and improves their standard of living, rather than one that is constantly campaigning. Likewise, they deserve an opposition that is dedicated to presenting alternative policies and ensuring government accountability, rather than perpetually trying to displace the current rulers.
Fatoumata: In conclusion, it is crucial for Gambian politicians to heed Clarke’s counsel and embrace the role of statesmen. By doing so, they can maintain democratic ideals and put the citizens’ welfare first. The focus must now move from endless campaigning to the significant duties of governance. Understanding the distinction between the time for politics and the time for governing is essential for a thriving democracy. Devoting oneself to governance and policy-making while in office, and reserving campaigning for the appropriate time, is fundamental to honoring democratic values and serving the public’s best interests.
