By Haddy Touray
The Gambia For All (GFA), a member of the GFC/UDP-led alliance, has accused President Adama Barrow of undermining the country’s democratic aspirations, warning that his reported ambition to seek a third term could reverse gains made since the end of Yahya Jammeh’s rule.
In a statement titled “From Three Years to Three Terms, President Barrow’s Political Ambition Poses a Danger to The Gambia’s Democratic Aspirations,” the party drew parallels between the current political climate and the tensions that preceded the end of Jammeh’s 22-year rule in 2016.
The GFA recalled that, a decade ago, Jammeh had threatened consequences for those who opposed his continued rule, while several opposition leaders were imprisoned at Mile 2 Central Prison.
It said the events surrounding the 2016 presidential election, which led to Barrow’s inauguration in Senegal amid a political crisis, should serve as a lesson against attempts to entrench political power.
The party accused Barrow of using political rhetoric and the security apparatus to pursue what it described as unconstitutional objectives. It also criticised his political alliances, alleging that some of his supporters were motivated by personal financial interests rather than national development.
According to the GFA, Barrow was elected as a consensus candidate to oversee governance reforms following Jammeh’s departure from power but has since frustrated efforts to introduce a new constitution.
The party criticised the continued reliance on the 1997 Constitution, which it described as discredited, arguing that the failure to adopt a new constitution had undermined public expectations for democratic reform.
The GFA also expressed concern over the country’s economic situation and what it called persistent corruption within government.
It cited the management and sale of assets confiscated from former president Jammeh as an example of what it described as a lack of transparency, questioning whether the authorities had adequately accounted for the assets.
The party further questioned the government’s development record, particularly road construction projects that it alleged had been poorly executed and had attracted procurement-related controversies and audit concerns.
The GFA called on Gambians to prioritise national interests and mobilise to prevent what it described as a possible return to authoritarian rule.
It urged voters to reject Barrow’s reported bid for a third term in the December 2026 presidential election.
The statement concluded with a call for Barrow’s defeat at the polls, urging citizens to make opposition to a third term a central message of the electoral campaign.