As Gambians go to the polls in less than 72 hours, it’s hard to muster enthusiasm for any of the top candidates.
Barrow is in the habit of spewing bald lies with a straight face, surrounded by mediocrity and incompetence. His greatest accomplishment seems to be leaving Gambia worse than he found it. This is no mean feat, given the person he took over from, Jammeh.
Lawyer Darboe seems more concerned about what being president means for him than what he can do for The Gambia. He had no problem supporting Barrow for three years as foreign minister and vice-president, while Gambians’ dreams of reform and better governance receded. I don’t see a Darboe government embarking on the radical changes needed to move the country forward.
Mama Kandeh’ alliance with APRC casts doubts on his ability to escape the influence and clutches of former leader, Yahya Jammeh. Despite allegations of human rights violations, Jammeh still retains immense influence among Gambian voters. It’s challenging to see a marked departure from corruption and governance deficits of the past if a president Kandeh stays politically wedded to Jammeh.
In the ultimate analysis, it’s futile nurturing any attachment to outcomes in the process. If the majority of Gambians want a better life, they should use this opportunity to elect people of competence and integrity.
Incompetence and corruption should not be rewarded with blind loyalty. If Gambians choose to squander such an historic opportunity for change, then they should be well prepared to bear the consequences.
There’s not going to be any solace from above or below. The country we want is not gonna be handed to us, we have to build it.
Sainey Darboe, Vancouver,Washington
