Parliamentary Election: Political Analyst Predicts NPP Dominated Parliament Unless Opposition Tighten Their Belt

By Buba Gagigo

Political analyst Essa Njie has predicted NPP dominated parliament, unless the opposition tighten their belt.

He made the remarks in an interview with this medium, following the claim by Busumbala Constituency parliamentarian that he would retain his seat come April 2022 parliamentary election, after NPP‘s December 4 presidential election victory.

“President Barrow’s victory will likely strengthen NPP’s base across the country. It is an opportunity for MPs loyal to Barrow in parliament and even their current MP to retain their position to upcoming election. I am predicting an NPP dominated parliament but I do not think this necessarily has to do with the party policies and programs, what the party can offer to the Gambian people. That is advantage of incumbency. Once the president wins elections, it’s easier for the party to dominate parliament In the context of Africa especially in The Gambia. So it wouldn’t necessarily be policies and programs of NPP but has to do with the influence of the president.”

Njie added that would favour parliamentarians loyal to Barrow in parliament, including NAM Jarju who expressed optimism to retain his seat in Parliament following NPP’s presidential election victory over the UDP, GDC, PDOIS, NUP and Essa Faal, Independent candidate.

“That will play a lot for honorable Jarju and any other MP that might be loyal to Barrow in parliament. It’s quite going to be a challenge for the opposition unless they tighten their belt to make sure that they contest parliamentary elections to prevent an NPP dominated parliament which will hamper Democratic accountability especially when it comes to checking the executive for ensuring that they scrutinized and are held accountable for their actions. Where honorable Jarju is appreciated by the people and then whether he has done a lot for the people. I think the people of the Constituency are their to speak for that.”

However, the Political Science lecturer at the University of The Gambia did not dispute Busumbala Constituency NAM’s claim.

“I am not in the Constituency, so I wouldn’t be able to comment on that but one thing is certain for me is that, if he says he has chances of winning or retaining his position as MP under the NPP banner I think he can retain his position. I think it has to do more with the advantage of incumbency rather than party policies and programmes.”

Essa Njie made the remarks in an interview with this medium, following the claim by Busumbala Constituency parliamentarian that he would retain his seat come April 2022 parliamentary election, after NPP‘s December 4 presidential election victory.