Lamin J Darbo Explains Why He Embraces Team Gambia

One of the flagbearer aspirants of Team Gambia Coalition Lamin J Darbo, has said one of the reasons he embraced the team is  its unique arrangements that enhances democracy and requires leaders to be accountable to what they promised the public.

Speaking at his native Gunjur, Darbo  whose NUP initially  signed a pact with UNITE, said the Team Gambia arrangement provides for  its eventual leader  to serve only one term if elected as president, and would not contest the election immediately after he or she steps down. He said the person could however come back to contest from 2036 onwards.

The NUP leader said this is a fundamental change because in The Gambia, presidents don’t want to leave power.

“This arrangement is one of the things that separates Team Gambia Coalition from other political parties. When politicians ask people to vote for them based on a specific promise, they must fulfill that after winning election,” he told the gathering.

 He said Team Gambia would certainly put in place a solid term limit that will confine presidents to only two terms of four or five years each.

“Limiting presidential tenure would help promote accountability and leadership change,” he said.

He clarified that the coalition’s proposed five-year commitment for its selected candidate is distinct from the broader two-term limit.

Darbo urged residents of his native Gunjur to support Team – Gambia.