Bensouda Pledges Two-Term Presidential Limit Under Coalition 2026

By Fatou Sillah

Talib Ahmed Bensouda, the presidential candidate of Coalition 2026, has pledged to introduce a two-term limit for presidents if elected in December, placing constitutional and governance reforms among the central promises of his campaign.

Speaking at the Coalition 2026 Unity Rally at Brikama SSP, Bensouda said his coalition, which includes an alliance between UNITE and the National Unity Party, would make good governance a priority and seek to limit every president to two terms in office.

“The Gambia needs a true leader,” Bensouda told supporters. “That is why Coalition 2026, with the NUP alliance, is going to bring good governance. The first thing we will do is introduce the two-term limit. Every president will serve for only two terms.”

Bensouda also criticized what he described as unnecessary presidential travel, saying the country’s leader should devote more time to governing rather than frequently traveling abroad or attending independence celebrations in other countries.

He also promised changes to the Public Order Act, arguing that the police should be responsible for maintaining public safety at political rallies and demonstrations rather than deciding whether such gatherings can take place.

Bensouda said a Coalition 2026 government would seek to strengthen protections for democratic freedoms and human rights while preserving the responsibility of security institutions to maintain law and order.

“We are going to protect Gambia’s democratic rights and Gambians’ human rights, but that has nothing to do with security,” he said.

Turning to tribalism, Bensouda addressed what he described as recent tribal attacks directed at him and said such rhetoric had no place in Gambian politics. He pledged that his administration would seek legislation criminalizing tribal discrimination and incitement.

Bensouda also addressed the death penalty, saying he supported the maximum punishment permitted by law for people convicted of deliberately killing others in cold blood.

The remarks broadened Bensouda’s campaign message beyond economic and public-service issues, with constitutional reform, civil liberties, national unity, and criminal justice emerging as key elements of the platform he says Coalition 2026 would pursue if elected.