Former presidential aspirant and leader of the youth for change movement, Mr. Mamadi Kurang, has sharply criticized both the main opposition party, UDP, and the ruling NPP, branding them as essentially identical in their principles and values.
Mr. Kurang expressed these sentiments during an interview on ’60 Minutes with Fatu’ over the weekend.
He argued that there’s little to differentiate the ruling party from their political rivals in the UDP, which influenced his decision to endorse the leadership of PDOIS during the presidential election.
“I’ve closely examined the UDP’s five-point agenda alongside that of the NPP, and it became evident to me that they share the same core principles. While the UDP’s agenda outlines their proposed governance strategies, it lacks a comprehensive plan for overhauling the government machinery as a whole. We yearn for systemic change, and neither the NPP nor the UDP can deliver that because they are essentially cut from the same cloth. Both parties share fundamental values and principles, leading to my decision to endorse PDOIS, as I believed they offered a better alternative,” he argued.
Kurang also challenged the President to step down after his current term, asserting that two terms are sufficient, despite such limits not being stipulated in the constitution.
“No amount of infrastructural development can overshadow the need for a new constitution in assessing his legacy. While past leaders have left their mark with airports and roads, the past two presidents also delivered a constitution for Gambians, unlike him. For history to judge President Barrow favorably, he must fulfill his promises to the Gambian people, including delivering on the long-awaited new constitution. After his current term, he should gracefully step down,” he reiterated.
When asked if he would be willing to replace Halifa Sallah, who previously stated he would not run for public office again, Kurang stated that such a decision would be determined by the party’s general membership. However, he expressed willingness to lead the party if given the opportunity.
Addressing PASTEF’s recent landslide victory in Senegal, Kurang suggested that a similar outcome could occur in The Gambia under certain circumstances.
In apparent criticism of the UDP, he argued that there are parties in the country vying for the presidency that lack a commitment to accountability and transparency.
“These parties have a history of being harsh on whistleblowers during their time in government and have been hostile towards those who criticize the government for the sake of improving the system. Replicating PASTEF’s success in The Gambia will be challenging if such parties persist in their conduct. In our country, whistleblowers often face dire consequences because there are political entities vying for power that do not prioritize accountability and transparency. We need to address these issues before attempting to emulate PASTEF’s achievements,” he emphasized.