By: Isatou Sarr
Councillor Sheriffo Sonko has urged Gambians to prioritise electoral participation over social media activism, arguing that political change in a democratic society can only be achieved through credible elections and not online debates alone.
In a statement shared online, Sonko said while activism and public engagement remained important, meaningful political transition depends largely on the strength and fairness of the electoral process.
“No amount of activism alone can bring regime change in a democratic country if there is no free and fair electoral system,” he stated.
The councillor stresses that protests, workshops and online discussions cannot replace the role of elections in determining leadership, calling on citizens to pay closer attention to voter registration and the protection of democratic institutions.
Referencing the country’s political history under former President Yahya Jammeh, Sonko reminded Gambians of the lessons from the 22-year rule and the eventual political transition in 2016.
“Twenty-two years is not five or ten years,” he wrote, while noting that the 2016 change of government became possible because people from different political backgrounds united around a common electoral goal.
Sonko also observed that some of the individuals now criticising the current political system once supported or benefited from previous administrations, saying political positions often shift over time.
He further called for national unity beyond political, tribal and religious differences, urging Gambians to place justice, reconciliation and the rule of law at the centre of national development.
