By Makutu Manneh
The Minister of Information, Media and Broadcasting Services, Dr. Ismaila Ceesay, has described individuals opposing President Adama Barrow’s potential third-term bid as “rebels,” insisting that only the Constitution determines a candidate’s eligibility to contest elections in The Gambia.
Dr. Ceesay, who is also the leader of the Citizens Alliance (CA) political party, made the remarks on Saturday during a CA press conference. He argued that any campaign asserting that President Barrow cannot seek a third term amounts to defiance of the constitutional order.
“Pure and simple,” he said. “The president will contest, CA will support him, and he will win. I believe there is a broad consensus along those lines.”
The minister emphasized that decisions regarding eligibility to run for public office are governed solely by the Constitution and existing laws, not by public opinion or political activism.
“It is the Constitution that determines who can contest elections in The Gambia — not individuals, not citizens, not voters,” Dr. Ceesay stated. “The role of voters is to choose among candidates, but the question of eligibility is a matter of law.”
He maintained that President Barrow meets the constitutional requirements to contest the presidency and challenged critics to address their concerns through legal and constitutional channels.
“So who are you to say no to a third term?” he asked. “If you disagree, contest the law. The Constitution makes him eligible to run.”
Acknowledging that election periods can be politically charged, Dr. Ceesay urged all stakeholders to prioritize peace and stability.
He stressed that maintaining the country’s long standing tradition of peace is a shared responsibility, calling on citizens and political actors alike to conduct themselves responsibly during the election year.
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