By Kemo Kanyi
The National Unity Party (NUP), led by Lamin J. Darboe, has released its manifesto calling it “The People’s Manifesto” and prioritizing the rule of law and presidential term limits.
The party on Saturday released what it called an “excerpt and befitting summary” of its agenda, saying the document was intended to keep Gambians informed. It says its blueprint is not a manifesto of promises but an “operating system for The Gambia” grounded in governance and the rule of law.
The NUP says the rule of law is a fundamental principle of its agenda, stressing that no arm of government, including the Executive, Judiciary, Legislature, or the Fourth Estate, is above the law.
It says it believes that when the rule of law prevails, justice follows and governance is strengthened.
The party also proposed strict term limits across all levels of leadership, including internal party structures and public office. It points out that the Party Leader, the President, Governors, and other officials would be limited to serve for only two terms.
The NUP further committed itself to a merit-based system of governance, stating that public employment should be based on competence rather than connections. It added that government employees would be required to meet at least 75 per cent of Key Performance Indicators (KPIs).
On governance structure, the party says it plans to decentralize development by empowering elected regional governors with budgets to implement local development priorities. It said this approach would ensure that citizens experienced the presence of government across all regions.
The party also underscores that it aims to strengthen institutional independence, enhance digital access to public services, introduce diaspora voting, reduce reliance on foreign powers, and promote domestic enterprises.
It adds that its vision is to build a system in which power resides with the people.
“We strive for a Gambia where the state fears the citizen, not the other way around.” “We are not asking to rule you. We will build a system where you rule us, where power truly resides with the people.”
The NUP said transparency, accountability, and institutional independence would be central to its governance approach.
