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By Michaella Faith Wright
The United Movement for Change (UMC) campaign manager, MC Cham Jr, has warned that comments by Presidential Adviser Momodou Sabally — that The Gambia could become a one‑party state under the ruling National People’s Party (NPP) — pose a “dangerous” threat to the country’s democratic future.
Cham issued the rebuke after Sabally made the remarks to young supporters at an NPP campaign meeting in Bakau on Wednesday, saying the comments should alarm “every Gambian who values democracy, political freedom, and accountability.”
“Sabally’s comments are not harmless political words. They are a dangerous warning that every voter should take seriously before deciding whether to give the NPP another term in office,” Cham said.
He argued a one‑party system would weaken democratic institutions, reduce accountability and allow the ruling party to dominate national institutions without effective scrutiny. Cham stressed that democracy depends on “political competition, an independent media, strong opposition parties and citizens’ right to freely criticise their government.”
Cham called on President Adama Barrow and NPP leaders to clarify whether Sabally’s statement reflected a personal view or the party’s official position, and urged voters to weigh the implications ahead of the next presidential election.
“The Gambia does not need a one-party state. It needs fair political competition, independent institutions and leaders who respect the right of citizens to support, criticise and peacefully replace their government,” he added.
