Gambia’s Isatou Touray accepts responsibility for government failures
By the AFREEQUE newsroom, based on Gambiana
Former Gambian Vice-President Isatou Touray submitted her candidacy for the 5 December presidential election and accepted her share of responsibility for the failures of Adama Barrow’s government. She promises more accountable governance and criticises the abandonment of constitutional reforms, according to remarks after filing her papers.
Former Gambian Vice-President Isatou Touray acknowledged her share of responsibility for the failures of President Adama Barrow’s administration after submitting her candidacy for the 5 December presidential election, Gambiana reported. She said she wanted to offer a different approach to government, based on listening, accountable institutions and equal opportunities.
Isatou Touray notably cited the abandonment of the constitutional reform promised during the transition launched in 2016. The governing coalition had pledged to establish a three-year transitional presidency and strengthen democratic safeguards, before opting for a full five-year term. The rejection of the 2020 draft Constitution, particularly because of disagreement over the retrospective application of presidential term limits, left the reforms unimplemented, according to the candidate.
She also called for greater support for farmers, the creation of economic opportunities for young people and increased participation by women in national development. Her candidacy still needs to be completed with administrative documents, including proof of secondary education and a declaration of assets.
The move came on the day Isatou Touray stood as a candidate against Adama Barrow, in a presidential election for which 25 hopefuls are preparing, according to information published on 2 November.
