By Makutu Manneh
Political analyst Lamin Juwara has urged President Adama Barrow to draw inspiration from the democratic principles of former President Sir Dawda Kairaba Jawara, particularly his firm commitment to multiparty governance.
Juwara made the remarks in an exclusive interview with Kerr Fatou, reflecting on The Gambia’s 61st Independence Anniversary and assessing the country’s democratic progress.
He recalled that Jawara resisted pressure from his own party, the People’s Progressive Party, to declare The Gambia a one-party state.
“The former president told his party it is either they pick him with his multiparty democracy or he will leave them to pick somebody else to declare a one-party state, as such is against his belief,” Juwara said.
Turning to current leadership, Juwara emphasized that President Barrow should remain faithful to his stated support for a two-term limit, cautioning that any attempt to seek a third term could undermine the country’s democratic consolidation.
“Many Gambians, myself included, believe that going for a third term weakens our democracy,” he noted. “President Barrow has publicly said he supports a two-term limit, which lies at the heart of democratic practice. Nothing should compel him to go beyond that.”
Juwara also stressed the importance of institutional accountability, adding that while decisive leadership is necessary, democratic systems should rely on clear processes rather than ad hoc decisions.
“There must be established mechanisms for discipline and accountability so that democracy can be institutionalized and strengthened for the greater good of the Gambian people,” he said.
He concluded by asserting that, in his view, there are no democratic lessons President Barrow can draw from former President Yahya Jammeh.
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