Gambiaj.com – (BANJUL, THE GAMBIA) – Ousainou Darboe has made a one-term presidency, constitutional reform, and economic recovery the centerpiece of his campaign for the December 5 presidential election, presenting the GFC/UDP-led alliance manifesto as a plan to reset how The Gambia is governed.
The manifesto, released on Friday, pledges that Darboe would serve only one five-year term if elected, take a 20% pay cut, and reduce the budget allocation for the Office of the President. It describes the document as a “social contract” between the alliance and the Gambian people.
The alliance presents the election as a choice between its proposed reforms and what it describes as ten years of NPP misrule, citing corruption, weak accountability, rising debt, unemployment, poor public services, and excessive centralization of power.
Constitution Within 100 Days and Economic Recovery
One of Darboe’s principal pledges is to revive the 2020 Draft Constitution.
The manifesto says a UDP-led government would re-table the draft within its first 100 days and seek consensus among political parties and other stakeholders. It proposes a clear presidential two-term limit, stronger separation of powers, and greater independence for oversight institutions.
The alliance also proposes reviewing laws affecting freedom of expression, assembly, and the media while strengthening judicial independence and parliamentary oversight.
In the economy, the manifesto promises to reduce wasteful public spending, bring debt to a sustainable level, and pursue single-digit inflation.
Rather than relying primarily on borrowing and imports, it proposes expanding agriculture, agro-processing, fisheries, tourism, ICT, artificial intelligence, and logistics to generate employment, exports, and foreign exchange.
Agriculture is given particular emphasis, with plans for greater mechanization and irrigation, improved seeds, storage, and processing, alongside support for rice, horticulture, livestock, and poultry.
In fisheries, the alliance promises stronger action against illegal fishing, protection of artisanal fishing zones, and a review of agreements it considers unfair.
Decentralization and Public Services
The manifesto proposes a more predictable system of financing for local councils, including a guaranteed share of national revenue, to allow them to plan and deliver services such as roads, markets, and waste management.
It also promises improvements in healthcare, education, and electricity, alongside reforms to the security services and civil service.
The security forces, it says, should be politically neutral and subject to stronger civilian oversight, while recruitment and promotion in the civil service should be based on merit rather than political affiliation.
A Different Presidency
The manifesto’s most distinctive political promise remains Darboe’s commitment to leave office after one term.
The alliance says its government would also establish a stronger delivery mechanism within the Office of the President, with performance targets and public reporting to track implementation of its program.
It also proposes giving the Gambian diaspora greater political and economic participation, including voting rights and access to investment instruments such as diaspora bonds.
Taken together, the manifesto presents Darboe’s campaign as a promise of political and economic renewal rather than simply a change of government.
Its central message is captured in its title: “The Gambia We Want” – backed by Darboe’s pledge of “one term, one vision, one mission.”
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