Former MP Says Barrow’s Third Term Ambition Is Legal But Inappropriate
By Buba Gagigo
Former National Assembly Member Hon. Omar Ceesay has said that President Barrow’s ambition to run for a third term in the 2026 presidential election is legal but morally inappropriate.
Ceesay, who represented the Niamina East constituency in the National Assembly, said that the constitution of the Republic of The Gambia allows for a president to run for more than two terms. However, he argued that it would be morally wrong for Barrow to run for a third term, given his political record.
“His declaration is an attempt to seize our democracy and eventually establish an authoritarian regime,” hon. Ceesay said.
Hon. Ceesay believes that, while there is no constitutional provision for term limits, he is encouraging President Barrow to step down at the end of his second term in office.
“Remember, Gambians risked their lives under the former dictatorship regime to end self-perpetuating rules and impunity, and never shall anyone take us to the dark days. Therefore, I encourage the president to step down after his second term in office,” he concluded.
Hon. Omar Ceesay is the former National Assembly Member for Niamina East Constituency. He was defeated during the last parliamentary election by the president’s National People’s Party (NPP).