Darboe pledges one-term presidency, return of 2020 Constitution in Alliance Manifesto

By Hadram Hydara

Opposition presidential candidate A.N.M. Ousainu Darboe has pledged to serve only one five-year term, take a 20% pay cut and reintroduce the stalled 2020 Draft Constitution if elected, as the GFC/UDP-led Alliance unveiled its manifesto ahead of the December 2026 election.

In a section titled “My Pledge”, Darboe commits himself to “serve one five-year term as President”, “take a 20% pay cut”, “cut down the budget allocation for the Office of the President” and “reintroduce the draft 2020 constitution for adoption.”

The manifesto presents the alliance’s programme for government between 2027 and 2031, promising constitutional reform, economic renewal, security sector reforms and what it describes as the restoration of public trust in government.

The alliance argues that The Gambia continues to face major governance and economic challenges after what it calls “10 years of NPP misrule”, citing rising living costs, youth unemployment, public debt, weak institutions and declining public confidence in government.

Among its flagship commitments is the reintroduction of the 2020 Draft Constitution within the first 100 days of a new administration.

The manifesto says the proposed constitution would provide “a clear presidential two-term limit, a strengthened separation of powers, independent oversight institutions, and the protection of fundamental human rights.”

The alliance also promises fiscal reforms aimed at reducing public debt, reforming state-owned enterprises, improving tax administration and ensuring that borrowed funds are used primarily for productive investments.

In the manifesto’s foreword, the alliance states that “public debt remains a major constraint on development” and that “inflation and the high cost of living continue to burden families.”

Darboe describes the document as a social contract between the alliance and the Gambian people, saying: “This manifesto constitutes the social contract to transform the Gambia between the GFC/UDP-led alliance and the people of The Gambia.”

The manifesto further pledges reforms in healthcare, agriculture, education, energy, ICT, security and civil service management, while promising greater diaspora participation in governance and national development.

“Vote for the GFC/UDP-led alliance to usher in a government anchored on accountability, transparency, probity, and inclusive economic growth,” Darboe says in the manifesto.