By Fatou Krubally
Gambian Islamic preacher Imam Abdoulie Fatty has urged politicians to focus on voters’ concerns and respond to their demands rather than use political platforms to attack rival parties and individuals.
He made the remarks on Thursday during a consultative dialogue on peaceful and credible elections organised by International IDEA, where he addressed the responsibilities of political leaders, religious figures, the media and electoral authorities ahead of the forthcoming elections.
Imam Fatty said politicians often engage communities and listen to their concerns during consultations but questioned why some resort to personal attacks and political accusations when addressing public gatherings.
He said political platforms should instead be used to respond to issues raised by citizens, who expect their leaders to address their needs and work for their interests.
He urged stakeholders to have the courage to call out politicians when they abandon substantive issues and focus their campaigns on attacking political parties or individuals.
“You are not here to listen what that political has done or this particular person has done to you, but we are here to answer our questions,” he said.
Imam Fatty also cautioned Gambians against allowing themselves to be used by political actors, urging citizens to exercise independent judgement rather than simply follow others.
On the role of religious leaders, he expressed concern about attacks directed at religious figures, arguing that statements made by individual clerics should not be used to discredit religious leaders collectively.
He also questioned whether Muslim political leaders consistently reflected Islamic principles in their conduct and called for religious leaders to be heard on issues affecting society.
Turning to the management of election results, Imam Fatty referred to the 2016 electoral process and questioned why results were announced twice.
He challenged journalists and other stakeholders to scrutinise such issues and demand clarity and consistency from electoral authorities.
He further urged election officials to consider the possible consequences of their decisions before announcing results, in order to prevent disputes and complications after the declaration.
His intervention focused on the need for issue-based political engagement, responsible leadership and active citizen participation in promoting peaceful and credible elections.