On January 10, 49 BC, General Julius Caesar approached the Rubicon, a pivotal river that divided Gaul from Italy. At that juncture, Caesar was a masterful chief, marked by sophistication, audacity, and willpower. As the governor of Gaul, he set his sights on Italy, with Rome as the last word prize.
A superb strategist, he expertly navigated the complexities of warfare and politics to outmanoeuvre his adversaries. Crossing the Rubicon along with his legion can be tantamount to declaring struggle on Rome—a daring gamble.
Legends inform us that he paused, asking his military to carry whereas he wrestled along with his monumental choice. Marching towards Rome would pit him towards Pompey, the legendary Roman common and statesman. Caesar, celebrated as one among historical past’s most astute minds, recognised that he was stepping right into a defining conflict with Pompey.
In the top, Caesar resolved to just accept his future, declaring, “iacta alea est” (The die is solid). He bravely crossed the Rubicon, superior on Rome, and finally claimed victory.
Fast ahead to January 29, 2025, when President Adama Barrow took the nation by storm, saying on dwell tv his candidacy for a 3rd time period within the 2026 presidential elections. In that second, it was evident that “the die is cast.”
As Lady Macbeth asserts in Shakespeare’s “Macbeth”, “What’s done is done.” Barrow’s bid for a 3rd time period is not a distant ambition; he has crossed his personal Rubicon in pursuit of main The Gambia.
Like Caesar, Barrow is pushed by an unwavering ambition. Emerging victorious from a relentless and efficient marketing campaign, he has reinvigorated his political occasion, the NPP, alongside along with his coalition, as he units his sights on reclaiming the presidency at Number 1 Marina Parade in 2026.
His quest for a 3rd time period echoes the army precision of Caesar’s legendary Roman legions, with every supporter enjoying an important function, seamlessly becoming into a bigger imaginative and prescient. Barrow’s transformation right into a determine of presidential gravitas has been nothing in need of exceptional. It’s stated that “history has no miracles, only causes and consequences,” however maybe Barrow’s presidency represents a big shift—a chance for actual change.
In a current interview with QTV, Barrow delivered a compelling narrative full of poignant reflections. Speaking along with his attribute vigour, he impressed his supporters whereas undeniably scary skepticism amongst critics, as a few of his guarantees could appear overly bold.
The debate surrounding President Adama Barrow’s pursuit of a 3rd time period transcends authorized permission; it strikes on the very coronary heart of our nation’s ethical and democratic integrity. Although the Gambian structure grants him the proper to run once more, the potential affect on our democratic future is profound.
In his current interview with QTV, President Barrow declared his intention to hunt re-election within the 2026 presidential elections, searching for to quell the dissent of a rising refrain of activists and feminists advocating for a “No to Third Term” marketing campaign.
This second just isn’t merely about legality; it’s a vital juncture that invitations ethical scrutiny. Barrow contends that his main motivation for a third-term bid is the political survival of his occasion, the National People’s Party (NPP), which he characterises as nonetheless in its infancy. He insists that, beneath completely different circumstances, he would willingly step down after his second time period, feeling he has nothing left to show.
Yet, he claims that his occasion members are pressuring him to run once more, pushed by fears of disintegration with out his management. This rationale raises alarming questions on Barrow’s true priorities. It suggests he’s extra invested within the NPP’s political viability than in advancing the democratic ideas of The Gambia.
His stance casts critical doubt on his dedication to the nation and its residents, because it seems he could also be ready to sacrifice our democratic values for his personal political ambitions and the pursuits of his allies.
While President Barrow is certainly legally eligible to pursue a 3rd time period in 2026, the continued discourse surrounding this situation is nothing in need of a harmful distraction. The actual query at hand is an ethical one: Will President Barrow select to uphold the democratic beliefs that Gambia deserves, or will he prioritise the survival of his political occasion? The alternative he makes will resonate far past the electoral panorama; it can outline the ethical cloth of our nation for years to return.
The dialogue a few potential third time period for President Adama Barrow transcends authorized issues and essentially raises ethical questions of serious significance to him and his supporters.
Currently, this debate not solely distracts from the urgent considerations of a phase of the Gambian inhabitants but in addition resonates with the anxieties of the opposition, civil society activists, and people disparagingly labeled as ‘fifth columnists’—people seen as detractors of the federal government’s aims.
Central to this discourse is whether or not President Adama Barrow and his allies will search a 3rd time period within the 2026 presidential elections. The situation of presidential time period limits in The Gambia is intricate and layered, encompassing each authorized and moral dimensions.
Legally, the 1997 structure makes no provision for a two-term restrict for the presidency. This absence opens the door to numerous interpretations and potential manipulations.
For occasion, President Barrow would possibly argue that as a result of his predecessor, Yahya Jammeh, abolished time period limits, the structure imposes no constraints on his presidency. Jammeh’s tenure lasted twenty-two years, throughout which he pursued a bid for a lifetime presidency, regardless of theoretical constitutional boundaries.
On the ethical entrance, time period limits are carefully tied to ideas of fine governance, transparency, anti-corruption initiatives, peace, improvement, and societal prosperity.
Such limits function essential safeguards towards political crises and are important for sustaining a sturdy democratic course of characterised by common energy transitions. Bypassing these limits—usually related to a decline in governance—can have dire implications for nationwide safety and progress, highlighting the seriousness of this situation.
At this juncture, any dialogue a few third time period for President Adama Barrow feels prematurely speculative. While he stays in workplace, he deliberates on whether or not to pursue one other time period. This matter goes past mere constitutional legality and enters the important realm of ethics. Elected in 2017 as a part of a grand coalition, Adama Barrow campaigned on the promise of reinstating time period limits—provisions that had been stripped from the 1997 structure by former President Jammeh to solidify his energy.
Morally, the precept that no particular person ought to serve past two phrases is compellingly clear. Yet, legally, the 1997 structure doesn’t inhibit Barrow from searching for one other time period.
The ongoing debate relating to a 3rd time period—one which arguably shouldn’t even be a subject of dialogue—continues to be pushed by those that thrive on political strife and profession politicians ensnared in a quest for energy. This is a pivotal second for The Gambia; the trail taken now will form the nation’s democratic panorama for years to return.
Propaganda engineering—the strategic manipulation of data to sway public opinion—has turn into more and more advanced in as we speak’s info age. Maintaining constant narratives is an uphill battle when anybody with web entry can simply create and disseminate propaganda.
The impoverished west African nation of Gambia is about for a uncommon handover of energy after long-serving President Yahya Jammeh suffered a shock defeat on the polls. Rights our bodies and media watchdogs accuse Jammeh of cultivating a “pervasive climate of fear” throughout his 22 years in workplace and of crushing dissent towards his regime.
/ AFP / MARCO LONGARI (Photo credit score ought to learn MARCO LONGARI/AFP/Getty Images)
Moreover, adversaries can rapidly dismantle false claims, compelling these behind the messaging to rethink their methods. In many democracies, election time period durations and mandates are clearly outlined and never open to debate.
An established electoral calendar gives the knowledge crucial for the electoral fee and all stakeholders to plan successfully for the long run. This form of stability is significant for aligning The Gambia’s democratic practices with worldwide finest requirements.
Let’s be clear: when an incumbent candidate commits to serving a single time period or two phrases and later adjustments that dedication, they could elevate ethical questions, however they haven’t violated any legal guidelines.
Our Constitution and the Independent Electoral Commission assert that elections are ruled by authorized frameworks, not ethical judgments. So, why all of the fuss about Adama Barrow’s stance on a possible third time period? If he has chosen to rethink, it’s effectively inside his rights. Even in holy scriptures, it’s famous that even God has revisited His selections.
Thus, it’s important for voters to both assist or oppose him thoughtfully, whereas prioritising peace in our electoral discourse. Engaging in contentious debates of this nature may set off extreme penalties, resembling political instability, social unrest, and financial downturns.
Gambians should mirror on their democratic traditions and political historical past, which had been marred by the authoritarian regime of Yahya Jammeh. Our nation has endured and confronted over 20 years of self-imposed rule, and these experiences are usually not merely historic footnotes; they’re instructive classes that demand our consideration and respect.
If Adama Barrow had been to repeat the errors of Yahya Jammeh, Gambians may discover themselves dealing with the identical dire challenges that plagued our previous. It is essential that we cherish and defend our democratic ideas whereas studying from our historical past to forge a brighter future for ourselves and generations to return.
The urgent concern for Gambians shouldn’t revolve round hypothesis a few potential third time period for the president. Instead, the present debate should be understood as a requirement for clear and tangible solutions to the urgent questions raised by residents.
Politicians regularly turn into ensnared in electoral rhetoric, overlooking the vital points that really matter. The actual urgency lies in addressing rampant public sector corruption, enhancing dwelling requirements, lowering the hovering prices of important items, confronting local weather change, and selling sustainable improvement.
Since 2017, we’ve got confronted an prolonged interval of stagnation, underscoring the need for daring methods to decisively sort out these socio-economic challenges, alleviate poverty, fight youth unemployment, and empower ladies.
The significance of those points is immense; it’s important that we act at once to avert additional decline in our society. We should acknowledge the urgency of those challenges and reply with willpower. Yet, in an effort to sidestep advanced dialogues, politicians usually fixate on institutional issues and the distribution of energy.
It is essential to keep in mind that the Gambia has upheld democratic ideas for over two centuries, making continued debates in regards to the guidelines impractical and counterproductive.
Politicians should concentrate on reaching clear resolutions for unbiased institutional issues, enabling evaluations based mostly on competencies in important areas such because the economic system, nationwide safety, and schooling—slightly than mere participation in rule-making.
A shift in our focus just isn’t solely wanted; it’s vital to handle the true points impacting the lives of Gambians. We should decide to steering our political discourse towards these pressing priorities.
Recent developments within the Gambia illustrate that Adama Barrow’s regime is not only downplaying time period restrict restrictions, however actively circumventing them. This happens regardless of the inclusion of a time period restrict clause within the 2020 draft structure, which was designed to strengthen limits and reaffirm our dedication to democratic values.
In conclusion, whereas many African constitutions recognise time period limits, their enforcement rests on political will and ethical integrity. It is crucial that our leaders respect the need of the folks and uphold the legislation, reflecting the broader governance challenges which might be prevalent throughout the continent. The time for decisive motion is now.
During President Barrow’s interview, a very troubling facet emerged relating to his bid for a 3rd time period. Although he’s constitutionally certified and faces no authorized boundaries in pursuing one other time period, he squandered the chance to exhibit true democratic values and as an alternative appeared self-serving.
In his look on QTV Gambia’s “State of Affairs,” President Adama Barrow argued that his consideration of a 3rd time period stems from the immaturity of his occasion, the NPP.
He proclaimed that if it had been solely his choice, he would willingly step down after his second time period, asserting, “there is nothing left for him to prove.” Yet, he admitted that occasion members are pressuring him to run once more, fearing the occasion would possibly collapse with out his management.
This assertion raises critical considerations about President Barrow’s priorities. It implies that he’s extra invested in safeguarding the survival of his occasion than in selling real democratic progress in The Gambia.
Such a stance is deeply troubling, because it suggests he could also be ready to sacrifice democratic ideas and the pursuits of the Gambian folks in favour of his personal political ambitions and people of his allies.
Nevertheless, his measured manner was underscored by moments of passionate criticism aimed toward those that opposed him, illuminating his powerful resolve. Regardless of our political opinions, President Adama Barrow stands because the third president of The Gambia; he’s our president, and he’s decided to run for a 3rd time period.
He envisions a brighter future for The Gambia—one which some might understand as utopian or idealistic. However, it’s in our collective curiosity to hope for his success; wishing for his failure can be akin to inserting a guess towards our personal future. We should aspire for him to make The Gambia higher than he discovered it. Iacta alea est (The die is solid).
By Alagi Yorro Jallow
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