By Fatou Sillah
Former National Assembly Member for Niamina East, Omar Ceesay, has asserted that the true measure of a political party’s or movement’s growth lies in its performance at the polls, not in the size of its gatherings or the number of registered members.
Ceesay emphasized that attendance at political events or registration with a party does not necessarily translate into votes. He noted that many individuals participate in political activities out of curiosity, professional relationships, or family ties, with no guarantee that they will vote for the party they appear to support.
He also believes it is premature for newly formed parties and movements to assess or draw conclusions about their growth before contesting an election, stressing that being tested at the polls is essential.
“Not everyone who attends a political event or registers as a member can be considered a reliable voter,” he said.
Ceesay noted that, from a broader perspective, it is difficult to assess the growth of a political party or movement solely based on crowd sizes or membership figures. He explained that some individuals attend political events out of curiosity or to gather information, while others are simply drawn by the atmosphere, and many may not even hold a voter’s card.
“In contemporary Gambian politics, election results serve as the primary measure of a party’s or movement’s growth. The uncertainty surrounding voters’ decisions in the weeks leading up to an election can significantly alter the political landscape. Voters can be swayed overnight due to various behind-the-scenes factors,” he said.
He urged newly established parties and movements to prioritize preparation and performance at the polls rather than making premature assessments based on attendance or membership statistics.
“Ultimately, only the election results can truly reveal the extent of a party’s or movement’s growth over time,” he said.