Gambiaj.com – (BANJUL, The Gambia) – Cherno Gaye, Programmes Manager at Activista Gambia and an aspiring National Assembly member, has vowed to place the interests of citizens above party loyalty, declaring that he would oppose any political party that acts against the welfare of the people.
As political parties begin positioning themselves for the 2027 parliamentary elections, Gaye said elected representatives must remember that political parties are created to serve citizens—not to override their interests.
“I have always been on the side of the people. If a party goes against the people, then I am against the party,” Gaye said.
His remarks come amid growing public concern in The Gambia that some politicians become less outspoken and independent after joining political parties or entering Parliament.
Gaye acknowledged those concerns, saying he has witnessed activists lose their critical voice once they assume public office.
“I know people who were almost as aggressive as I am. But when they went into Parliament, I haven’t heard anything from them,” he said.
He insisted, however, that his own record of advocacy would hold him accountable if elected.
“Everything I have said is on record. You can go on YouTube and find most of the things I have been doing. You can go on social media and see the work I have been doing. I cannot run away from it,” he added.
Party Loyalty Should Not Override Public Interest
Gaye argued that joining a political party should never require abandoning one’s principles, maintaining that political parties exist solely to advance the interests of the people.
“The only reason you form a political party is to bring a group of people together to better serve the people,” he said.
“If whatever you are doing no longer serves the people, then your purpose is no longer being fulfilled.”
He stressed that he would continue holding leaders accountable regardless of their political affiliation.
Open to a Party Ticket
Gaye previously contested parliamentary elections as an independent candidate, saying his decision was shaped by the political realities of his constituency.
Although he considered running under a political party, he ultimately chose to stand as an independent after assessing the local political landscape.
Looking ahead, he said he remains open to contesting under a party banner if circumstances warrant it but insisted that his mission would remain unchanged.
“It does not matter under what flag I win. The reason I wanted to go in the first place is still the same reason, and that is what I am going to do when I get there,” he said.
Calls for Greater Youth Representation
Gaye also expressed optimism that the 2027 parliamentary elections could usher in the youngest National Assembly in the country’s history, with greater youth representation in legislative decision-making.
“I am hoping that after April 2027, we will have the youngest Parliament ever, a Parliament dominated by young people,” he said.
He encouraged young Gambians to move beyond political commentary and actively participate in governance.
“We have the power in this country. We are educated, energetic, and driven. But we need awareness and the right understanding of our role,” he said.
For Gaye, the real test for young politicians will not simply be winning elections but preserving their independence and commitment to the public once they assume office.
He argued that public trust can only be sustained if elected officials remain accountable to the people who put them in office, rather than becoming beholden to party interests.
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