By Fatou Sillah
Lawyer Lamin J. Darboe has called on Gambians to prioritize competence and proven track records over campaign rhetoric in the 2026 elections, urging voters to support candidates capable of building durable institutions.
Speaking in an interview on the program “For the People by the People,” Mr. Darboe said the country’s political future should hinge on leaders who understand governance beyond promises.
“We want leaders on the ballot in 2026 who have the ability to understand how to build a system,” he said. “We need system builders in 2026.”
He argued that voters should move away from what he described as conventional campaign appeals and instead evaluate candidates based on their long-term performance.
“This is not going to be business as usual,” he said. “Come and vote for me, and I will be this. Show us who you were going back 10, 15, or 20 years ago; that is what we believe in. Show us your record.”
Mr. Darboe also raised concerns about governance and decision-making at the highest levels, questioning whether the presidency is receiving adequate legal counsel. He described the pressures faced by government advisers, particularly cabinet ministers, who serve at the discretion of the president.
“The presidency is a big office, and it has the power to relieve you of your appointment at any time,” he said, adding that such conditions often require officials to act cautiously. “You know you are either fired or urgently told to go, and you go.”
He noted that ministerial roles remain highly sought after despite these constraints.
“You know you are either fired or you are urgently told to go, and you go. The ministerial positions are very attractive to Gambians,” he said.
Turning to the criminal justice system, Mr. Darboe criticized the handling of the case involving Ousainou Bojang and his sister, both of whom were acquitted. He said authorities should have more rigorously assessed the evidence before proceeding.
“They probably could have gone to the drawing board and identified the real killers, if indeed they were interested in that. My feeling is that they were not interested in finding the real killers,” he said.
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