Introduction
As the Leader of the People’s Progressive Party (PPP), I wish to express my profound concern over the recent law passed by the National Assembly, which raises the cost of registering a political party to GMD 2 million and sharply increases nomination fees for presidential, National Assembly, councilor, and chairperson elections.
A Threat to Democratic Governance
This law strikes at the very foundation of our democracy. By erecting such high financial barriers, the National Assembly risks turning political participation into a privilege of the wealthy rather than a right of all citizens. Multiparty democracy has been the pride of The Gambia, introduced and defended by the PPP as a model for our subregion.
The Legacy of Democracy in The Gambia
For decades, under the leadership of Sir Dawda Kairaba Jawara, The Gambia stood out as a beacon of multiparty democracy in West Africa. This legacy was built on the conviction that sovereignty belongs to the people and that every Gambian deserves an equal chance to shape the destiny of our nation. The newly enacted law risks reversing this legacy by creating a system where leadership is determined not by vision, service, or trust, but by wealth.
Exclusion of the People
At a time when many Gambians are struggling with economic hardship — providing food, education, and healthcare for their families — these prohibitive fees are especially unjust. They will exclude precisely those citizens who live closest to the daily struggles of the people: the farmer, the teacher, the nurse, the market vendor. These are the voices democracy most needs, yet they will now be silenced, not because they lack leadership capacity, but because they cannot raise millions of dalasis.
The Voice of the People
As our Party motto affirms:
“Vox populi, vox Dei — the voice of the people is the voice of God.”
The will of the people, not the wealth of the few, must remain the foundation of our democracy.
A Respectful Appeal
I therefore appeal to the National Assembly to repeal this unjust law. I do so respectfully, not in partisanship, but in defense of fairness, inclusivity, and the principles of good governance. Democracy does not live in bank accounts; it lives in the voices of Gambians.
Conclusion
We must ask: what kind of democracy are we building if only the rich can contest for office? What message do we send to our youth and women if we add financial exclusion to the barriers they already face? Do we want a democracy of votes, or a democracy of wealth?
Democracy must never be for sale. It is the inheritance of every Gambian — rich or poor. As Leader of the People’s Progressive Party, I remain unwavering in my commitment to defend this inheritance and ensure that the voice of the people continues to guide the destiny of our beloved nation.
Issued by:
Ousman Madikay Faal
Secretary-General & Party Leader
People’s Progressive Party (PPP)