Africa-Press – Gambia. Dr. Biran Gai, a political scientist has observed that if democracy is not checked, it could lead to the collapse of a state, while causing inherent dysfunctionalities in state institutions or mechanisms of the state.
In an exclusive interview on Wednesday, the University of the Gambia political science lecturer observed that mechanisms that revolve around checks and balances, separation of powers, and the rule of law are not adhered to by political leadership.
He added that this has resulted in a polarised political landscape in the Gambia, orchestrated by those who are in power and those who are in opposition.
Dr. Gai noted that politics in the Gambia has become a thick-footed game where individuals pursue personal aspirations against political rivals.
“Instead of politics of issues, now the country has resorted to verbal attacks using inflammatory statements to castigate one another,” he added.
“If democracy is unchecked, it could lead to the collapse of the state because there would be no political discipline or there would be no law and order. The volatility of the political space or the polarised nature of the political environment can erode public trust in government institutions or public trust in political leadership,” Dr. Gai pointed out.
He expressed the opinion that politics ought to be the representation of people’s aspirations and desires, and ensuring this political stability by propagating systems of government in place that prioritise individual rights and liberties.
He pointed out that the recent political rally by the National People’s Party (NPP) is a right to campaign as a fundamental pillar of politics and democracy in general, but states that tones in such gatherings must be measured not to show seeds of discord.
He suggested that such platforms where you expect the President and his ministers to speak should be responsible in how they communicate their messages to the people, pointing out that it shouldn’t be a characterisation of personal attacks or using inflammatory statements against political opponents, which is just going to increase the complexities of political polarisation in the Gambia and, of course, build political division, which is not ideal in any viable democratic system of government.
The political scientist said political statements ought to be reflective of government processes and procedures built around accountable governance, the principle of separation of powers, and the rule of law. Resorting to castigating individuals because you have a disagreement with them politically is not a sustainable means of consolidating democratic governance.
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