The pending White Paper on the Local Government Commission of Inquiry presents a critical test of credibility for President Adama Barrow and his Cabinet, according to the National Front for Alliance and Advancement (NAFAA). Ousainou Allen, NAFAA's Interim President, stated that the forthcoming White Paper must strengthen public confidence in justice, not create doubts about the fairness of the electoral process. Allen emphasized that accountability must never become a political instrument for choosing one’s preferred opponent. He added, "Ultimately, the choice of political leadership belongs to the Gambian people, not to those already holding power." Allen also noted that findings from a commission of inquiry, criminal liability, and electoral disqualification are distinct legal matters. The central concern is whether findings of the Local Government Commission could be weaponised to determine which opposition candidates are allowed on the December ballot.
Concerns Over Electoral Weaponization
The central concern revolves around whether the findings of the Local Government Commission could be utilized to influence which opposition candidates are permitted on the December ballot. Persistent rumors regarding intentions to ban or disqualify specific opposition candidates are not being dismissed as mere speculation by observers. These persistent rumours about plans to ban or disqualify certain opposition candidates cannot be dismissed as mere speculation, according to observers. Critics argue that the choice of political leadership ultimately rests with the Gambian people, rather than those currently in power. This perspective suggests that any attempts to manipulate the electoral landscape through the White Paper would undermine democratic principles and the integrity of the upcoming elections. The situation places President Barrow's administration under scrutiny regarding its commitment to a fair and open political process. The potential for the White Paper to be used as a political tool raises significant questions about the government's impartiality and adherence to democratic norms.
Lessons From Past Governance
The responsibility of an incumbent government is to guarantee that every eligible candidate has an equal opportunity to participate, rather than selecting its opponents. The responsibility of an incumbent is not to select who should contest against it, but to guarantee that every eligible candidate has an equal opportunity to participate. Actions resulting from the White Paper must adhere to evidence, consistency, due process, and the rule of law. Any action arising from the White Paper must be guided by evidence, consistency, due process and the rule of law. Critics noted that state power was previously used to target opponents under former president Yahya Jammeh. Under former president Yahya Jammeh, state power was indeed used to target opponents, a historical precedent that informs current anxieties. Similar concerns have arisen in other West African nations, with Macky Sall’s administration in Senegal facing accusations of using legal processes to exclude opposition figures. In Guinea-Bissau, a major opposition candidate was disqualified under Umaro Sissoco Embaló ahead of the 2025 presidential election, further illustrating such patterns. These regional examples show the importance of ensuring that legal and administrative processes are not weaponized for political gain, especially in the run-up to critical elections.
Call for Due Process
The National Front for Alliance and Advancement (NAFAA) emphasized that the upcoming White Paper must enhance public trust in justice, rather than casting doubt on the fairness of the electoral process. Ousainou Allen, NAFAA's Interim President, stated, "The forthcoming White Paper must strengthen public confidence in justice, not create doubts about the fairness of the electoral process." NAFAA also asserted that accountability must be pursued through due process and should not serve as a political instrument to influence participation in the December 5 presidential election. Accountability must be pursued through due process and not used as a political tool to decide who can contest the December 5 presidential election. Allen further clarified that the findings of a commission of inquiry, criminal liability, and electoral disqualification are separate legal categories. "The findings of a commission of inquiry, criminal liability and electoral disqualification are distinct legal matters," Allen said. This distinction is key, according to NAFAA, to prevent the conflation of different legal outcomes and ensure that due process is rigorously followed for any potential electoral disqualifications.