By Fatou Sillah
United Democratic Party (UDP) leader and flagbearer, Lawyer Ousainu Darboe, has pledged to introduce a new constitution and ensure diaspora representation in the National Assembly if elected president in the 2026 elections.
Speaking at a UDP fundraising event in Spain, Darboe outlined his vision for governance reform, emphasizing the inclusion of Gambians in the diaspora in the country’s political and decision-making processes.
“In 2026, take me to State House. By 2027, 2028, and 2029, we will bring a new constitution to the National Assembly. It will be approved and taken to a referendum, and that law will take effect—guaranteeing rights to both Gambians at home and abroad,” Darboe declared.
The veteran politician said his government would ensure that Gambians in the diaspora are not only granted the right to vote but also represented in parliament, recognizing their crucial role in sustaining the national economy through remittances.
“We are going to introduce diaspora representatives in the National Assembly,” he affirmed.
Darboe also vowed to enact laws allowing qualified Gambians living abroad to serve in ministerial and other high-level public positions.
“We will introduce laws that enable skilled Gambians in the diaspora to serve their country. If the president has confidence in you, you can be appointed as a minister,” he said.
He criticized the government’s continued refusal to grant voting rights to the diaspora, calling it a violation of their constitutional rights. “Gambians abroad contribute about 23 percent of our GDP, yet they are denied the right to vote. We want to restore those rights,” Darboe emphasized.
Addressing the 2026 presidential election, Darboe said the contest is not about personal ambition but about the future of the country and the people’s demand for integrity and progress.
“The 2026 election is not about me; it’s about the Gambian people choosing a path that ends corruption and mismanagement,” he stated.
He further criticized the misuse of public resources, saying that government funds spent on officials’ personal benefits could be redirected toward essential sectors such as health and agriculture.
“We don’t know how they are managing the country’s resources. Some officials have multiple vehicles—one even for their families—all funded by taxpayers. Public service should be about respect, not waste,” Darboe said.
He also warned that election malpractice often occurs before voting day, not during the actual polling process. “Elections are not stolen on Election Day; the manipulation happens beforehand,” he cautioned.