Group vows to defend Barrow’s third term bid

A coalition of Gambians — led by youth activists including Yusuf Tunkara, National Coordinator of the National People’s Party Students’ Wing — has formed to defend President Adama Barrow’s constitutional right to seek a third term.

The coalition is mobilising rapidly to prevent any unlawful interference with the President’s legitimate bid and to protect the democratic process. It insists that, where the law permits, political disputes must be resolved at the ballot box rather than by excluding qualified candidates. Selective attempts to block a candidate would undermine the rule of law and the principle that every eligible citizen has an equal right to compete for office.

“We will let the courts, the constitution, and the voters decide this matter,” the coalition said. “Critics remain free to challenge President Barrow’s record, campaign against him, and pursue lawful reform to introduce term limits. But attempts to preempt the electoral process are unacceptable.”

The movement strongly condemned the “No To Third Term Movement,” led by figures in the United Democratic Party, including Alagie Mamadi Kurang. It denounced recent remarks from that group — which suggested the eligibility debate could be reduced to questions of “dying or living” — as inflammatory and dangerous to national peace.

“The eligibility to contest the presidency must be determined by The Gambia’s constitutional and legal framework,” the coalition said. “The 1997 Constitution contains no explicit term-limit provision. While drafts proposing term limits — including in 2024 — have been published, none were adopted into law. It is inconsistent and irresponsible for UDP affiliates now to assert term limits where none exist in the current constitution.”

The coalition rejected rhetoric or actions that threaten constitutional order or incite violence. “Language that reduces political debate to threats or bloodshed is intolerable and must be condemned,” it said. “Our democracy depends on peaceful dialogue, lawful processes, and respect for the rule of law — not intimidation.”

The group reiterated that candidate legitimacy rests on compliance with constitutional provisions and lawful electoral procedures. “Citizens and political actors may advocate constitutional reform, but change must follow established legal channels. Attempts to circumvent or manipulate those channels undermine our democracy. We call on all parties, civil society organisations, and citizens to reject inflammatory rhetoric and commit to peaceful, lawful means of resolving national issues.”

The coalition says hundreds of thousands of Gambians support the “Third Term for Barrow” movement and stand ready to defend the constitution and the President’s right to contest. “The people’s voice is clear: they support the President and will peacefully resist any effort to subvert their democratic will.”