Almost all beneficial life ventures have rules of engagement or due process. In a democracy as well, there are rules especially when it comes to elections and electioneering. This is why it is said that when elections come, there should be a level playing field so that voters will be able to exercise their franchise.
When elections come in a democracy or a democratic country, political parties appeal to the people and endeavor to sell their ideas to the electorate. They reveal their manifestos and convince the people that they are the ones who deserve to be voted into office.
In the Gambia, there has always been a problem of an unlevelled playing field when elections and election campaigns come. It was for this reason that the incumbent always had an edge over the opposition. As has always been the case, incumbency had always been a near-certain-route to victory.
In the past few days, it has been observed that President Adama Barrow and his National Peoples Party have used every opportunity to campaign and sell their ideas to the people. They are trying to convince people that the right person to lead the Gambia is Adama Barrow.
The reCent inauguration of projects in the Upper River Region have given the NPP an opportunity to sell their idea of making Adama Barrow the next president of the Gambia. At a political rally in URR, the party unveiled Mr Dembo Bojang (By Force) as the national president of the National People’s Party. The man has become the de facto political father of Adama Barrow and has vowed to get him elected come 2021.
When the Coalition canvassed for votes in 2016, they promised that there will be law reforms such that there will be a level playing field so that the Gambian people will be able to vote for the right candidate. This is necessary for the nascent democracy to grow and be sustainable.
