By Haddy Touray
Former Vice President and independent presidential aspirant Dr Isatou Touray has urged Gambians to judge candidates in the 2026 presidential election based on their leadership abilities rather than coalition arrangements, arguing that the country’s main challenge is a crisis of leadership.
Report monitor on Eye Africa TV, Dr Touray said voters should carefully assess presidential hopefuls and support the candidate they believe has the capacity to govern in the interest of the people.
“The country has a crisis of leadership, not a coalition. Let Gambians see, among the people seeking the presidency, who is capable of running the country and give them the country,” she said.
Dr Touray, who has long advocated for women’s rights and the elimination of female genital mutilation (FGM), reaffirmed her opposition to the practice, describing it as a human rights issue despite criticism from some sections of society.
She dismissed suggestions that her position on FGM could negatively affect her presidential ambitions, arguing that advocacy for vulnerable groups should be viewed as a service to society rather than a political disadvantage.
“Activism is for a cause; it is for justice, development, progress, and also being a whistleblower for those who do not have a voice. That is activism,” she said.
Dr Touray said FGM continues to expose girls and women to serious health risks and should be recognised as a violation of fundamental rights.
She acknowledged that speaking against the practice has attracted criticism but maintained that increased public awareness has helped many people understand its consequences on women’s health and wellbeing.
She also rejected claims that FGM is a religious requirement, noting that many followers of the same faith do not practise it.
“If some people are angry with me, I will tell them, let them try and find out a lot about it. I will not shy away from the truth,” she said.
Dr Touray said her campaign for the presidency is based on offering a different approach to leadership rather than attacking political opponents.
She argued that effective leadership requires responsibility, accountability and a commitment to serving citizens rather than pursuing personal interests.
Addressing speculation about a possible alliance with the United Democratic Party (UDP), Dr Touray said her political focus is centred on leadership rather than coalition-building.
She acknowledged her previous involvement in coalition discussions but said the national debate should now focus on identifying the type of leadership needed to address The Gambia’s challenges.
“I want them to know that leadership is the crisis. I was in a coalition process, and I know a lot, so I am an independent candidate, and I will come as a leader. This is a democracy; people can think outside of the box,” she said.
Dr Touray added that public office should be viewed as a trust given to leaders by citizens, stressing that the country needs a president who places national interests above personal or family considerations.