Nothing is more important than coming up with a holistic policy on how to handle transfer of power. Unfortunately The Gambia has never gone through the peaceful transfer of power through the ballot box. There is no legislation indicating the rights and duties of a president elect or an incumbent.
It is the duty of the current government to come up with such legislation to prevent the impasse and uncertainty that the country had gone through after the December 2016 presidential election.
The purpose of establishing a think tank should have been the holistic review of the constitutional, legislative, institutional, administrative and managerial reforms necessary in order to create a new governance environment that will accord with the democratic aspirations of the Gambian people.
This would have enabled the government to come up with consistent policies and programmes covering its lifespan and even beyond for the sake of continuity.
As it stands it is difficult to know what underlay the decisions being made. One moment it is truth and reconciliation commission, another moment it is detention of soldiers without trial, another moment trial of NIA operatives, etc.
This raises the question whether the government has really sat down to review its strategic objectives, policies and programmes in a comprehensive manner and settle on a consistent and predictable agenda for the democratic evolution of the country in an environment characterized by peace and tranquility.
The world is watching The Gambia. Other countries could follow its path. If its democratic experiment is indeed successful only those who are truly committed to democratic ideals can make the experiment successful. Those who are not will be inconsistent in policy and action. Time will tell where we are heading.
