Africa-Press – Gambia. Mr Biran Gai, a political science lecturer at the University of The Gambia, has described as disheartening the practice of elected politicians shifting political allegiance, particularly among young leaders.
Speaking to The Voice on Monday, Mr Gai says cross-carpeting is not a new political phenomenon in The Gambia, noting that it has been permitted by the constitution and has occurred over the years.
He, however, expressed concern over the growing trend, especially where politicians elected on independent tickets subsequently join established political parties.
“We do not expect politicians, especially young people, to be elected on an independent ticket only to later join the ruling National People’s Party. It is really disheartening, and I hope we can address this more consciously with the next generation,” he said.
Mr Gai acknowledged that while the law allows elected officials to change political affiliation, the issue raises moral and political concerns. He argued that transferring one’s political mandate, particularly a seat in the National Assembly, to another political entity undermines the trust reposed in elected representatives by their constituents.
Citing the recent decision by the National Assembly Member (NAM) for Janjanbureh, Omar Jato Jammeh, who was elected as an independent candidate, Mr Gai described the move as disappointing.
He noted that NAM Jammeh’s background in youth activism and community engagement had earned him the confidence of the people of Janjanbureh, who elected him irrespective of party affiliation.
According to Mr Gai, such actions amount to a betrayal of political trust toward constituents and young people, and could negatively affect the future of youth participation in Gambian politics.
“This is not what we expect,” he stressed.
