Madi Jobarteh Calls for Systemic Reform and Internal Democracy in Gambian Political Parties

Prominent Gambian human rights activist and Executive Director of Edward Francis Small Centre for Rights and Justice Madi Jobarteh has called for a comprehensive overhaul of the internal structures and governance systems of political parties in The Gambia. His remarks follow a growing rift within the United Democratic Party (UDP), where a potential leadership succession has fueled competition among top members, including Mayor Talib Ahmed Bensouda, Lawyer Yankuba Darboe, and Mayor Rohey Malick Lowe.

Jobarteh argues that the tensions surfacing within the UDP are emblematic of a deeper, systemic dysfunction that afflicts virtually all political parties in the country. According to him, political organisations in The Gambia have historically operated under weak or autocratic internal governance systems, hindering the nation’s broader democratic development.

“The vibrations rumbling in the UDP are nothing new, unexpected, or surprising,” he wrote. “Rather they reflect an outdated system that characterises our political parties since independence, for which this country has been suffering from bad governance ever since.”

Political Parties as Personal Empires

Tracing a pattern across Gambian political history, Jobarteh highlighted how most political parties have been built around strong personalities, becoming little more than personal fiefdoms. From the PPP under Jawara to APRC under Yahya Jammeh, and now UDP under Ousainou Darboe, Jobarteh criticised the lack of institutional development and internal checks that would ensure leadership transition, accountability, and renewal.

“Once a leader leaves, the party either dies or becomes a shadow of its former self,” he noted. “Yet the leaders refuse to leave until pushed out by design or default.”

He described such parties as “Kafo” groups at best or cults at worst, arguing that personalising political organisations undermines democracy and entrenches a cycle of stagnation, resentment, and intra-party conflicts.

A Call for Democratic Transformation

Jobarteh urged all political parties to undertake urgent reforms, beginning with the establishment of term limits for party leaders and the separation of leadership roles from that of flag bearer candidates. He warned that holding multiple powerful roles within the party creates unfair advantages and stifles democratic competition.

“A person who is currently serving as secretary general or party leader should not at the same time vie for the flag bearer position,” he said. “This is to prevent abuse or the advantage of incumbency.”

Additionally, he called for greater transparency in party financing, decentralisation of power, and the formation of inclusive decision-making bodies that reflect gender, youth, regional, and minority diversity. Jobarteh emphasised that political parties must be held to the same democratic standards expected of the national government.

Disappointment in UDP and a Challenge to Young Leaders

While condemning recent inflammatory remarks made by UDP’s Chairman Yankuba Darboe, Jobarteh expressed disappointment that the party, despite having an educated and experienced membership has failed to modernise since its formation in 1996.

“The founders of the party in 1996 remain the leaders of the party in 2025,” he stated. “That is not progress and democracy.”

Jobarteh called on young, reform-minded leaders like Talib Bensouda and Rohey Malick Lowe to push for democratic renewal within the UDP, and extended his appeal to all political actors across the spectrum to reject authoritarianism, personality politics, and ethnic domination.

Toward a Democratic Future

Jobarteh’s critique is not limited to one party. Rather, he sees the current moment as a historic opportunity for political transformation in The Gambia. He calls for a shift away from the symbolic trappings of democracy like congresses and party offices, toward genuine internal accountability, inclusion, and transparency.

“To create a semblance of democracy…does not necessarily indicate true democracy and good governance,” he wrote. “Political parties should rather be institutions operating along high professional and ethical standards while upholding high democratic and governance principles and practices.”

In closing, Jobarteh reiterated that systemic change within political parties is a prerequisite for national progress, urging all Gambians to demand better from those who aspire to lead.