By Fatou Sillah
Dr. Isatou Touray, the former vice president and an independent presidential aspirant, has urged Gambians to base their decisions in the 2026 presidential election on the leadership abilities of candidates rather than on coalition politics, arguing that the country’s most pressing challenge is a crisis of leadership.
In an interview with Eye Africa TV, Dr. Touray said voters should carefully evaluate those seeking the presidency and entrust the nation to the candidate they believe is best equipped to govern in the public interest.
“The country has a crisis of leadership, not a coalition. Let Gambians see, among the people seeking the presidency, who is capable of running the country and give them the country,” she said.
Dr. Touray said effective leadership requires a strong sense of responsibility and a commitment to serving citizens instead of advancing personal interests. She argued that anyone entrusted with leading the country must ensure that government decisions reflect the needs and aspirations of the Gambian people.
Addressing speculation about a possible alliance with the United Democratic Party (UDP), Dr. Touray said her political approach is focused on leadership rather than coalition-building. While acknowledging her previous involvement in coalition negotiations, she suggested that the national conversation should now shift toward identifying the leadership model best suited to address the country’s challenges.
She said her decision to contest the presidency as an independent candidate came after careful reflection on The Gambia’s political and social landscape and was driven by a desire to offer an alternative vision of leadership rather than to criticize political opponents.
“I want them to know that leadership is the crisis. I was in a coalition process, and I know a lot, so I am an independent candidate, and I will come as a leader. This is a democracy; people can think outside of the box,” she said.
Dr. Touray also emphasized that public office should be regarded as a trust placed in elected leaders by the people. She said The Gambia needs a president who recognizes that responsibility and consistently places the national interest above personal or family considerations.
Comments are closed.