Africa-Press – Gambia. Human Rights lawyer, Assan Martin has alleged that President Adama Barrow’s advisers are misleading him, posing threats to the democracy Gambians voted for in 2016 Presidential polls.
In an interview, Mr. Martin says democracy is fading away as Gambia slides back into dictatorship. “Looking at the atmosphere in The Gambia today we can see that dictatorship is tripping back into our democracy,” he reiterated.
Lawyer Martin argued that the act of dictatorship is fuelled by the recruitment of police officers with the aim of building a police-state that will suppress and silence the voice of Gambians. He said the fundamental rights of Gambians ought to be respected.
Lawyer Martin explained that The Gambian constitution empowers the youths to write a petition and present it to any institution, noting that Gambians should stand in solidarity to make sure dictatorship does not overshadow the democratic system Gambians voted for in 2016.
He argues that the right to peaceful protest should be respected by the Barrow administration, adding that The Gambian democracy ‘’must’’ be guided and not confrontational through tactical means by the government.
Going further lawyer Martin stressed that citizens should be allowed to express their grievances ranging from the condition of their salaries, working conditions and GSM data amongst others, arguing that the law does not imply that before any group or person gathers, they should seek for a permit from the Inspector General of Police.
He went further to say that The Gambia needs a full change in the 2026 Presidential election, pleading with Gambians to make a wise decision that will protect and guard the democracy of the nation for a better Gambia, for power belongs to the people.
Lawyer Martin alleged that the national reforms of the 2016 coalition government failed under the leadership of President Barrow, noting that such reforms should be fixed by Gambians in the 2026 Presidential election when Gambians vote for the right President to lead the nation; ‘’It is up to the people to elect good leaders and good candidates,’’ he said.
Lawyer Martin goes further to say that it is time for Gambians to stand and defend democracy by voting for the right person who is fit to rule the nation and bring that system change Gambians are looking forward to, for the entire system of governance should be changed, he stressed.
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