Ousainu Darboe Pledges One-Term Presidency and Sweeping Reforms

United Democratic Party candidate Ousainu Darboe says he would serve only one term if elected president, promising constitutional changes and a major overhaul of government institutions. He made the pledge after submitting his nomination papers to the Independent Electoral Commission ahead of the December 5 election. Darboe outlined constitutional, security-sector, economic and civil-service reform as priorities for a possible administration. He also said he would seek to lay the groundwork for faster economic progress, with policies intended to move The Gambia beyond its least-developed-country status and toward middle-income standing. Asked how a one-term pledge could be made legally binding, Darboe replied that his word was his bond, according to the report. He did not describe a legal mechanism to enforce the commitment, presenting it instead as a personal promise to voters. The UDP candidate also appealed for calm during the election campaign. He urged Gambians to act reasonably rather than let emotions drive their conduct, warning that actions which disrupt peace and stability could harm the country. Darboe described keeping the electoral period peaceful as a shared responsibility. On corruption, he reiterated the party’s opposition to financial wrongdoing and referred to its past criticism of alleged misconduct. Darboe pointed to the UDP’s role in raising concerns about a transfer of US$3 million to a Swiss bank involving members of the 1990s junta, as well as its attention to the crude-oil affair. He also said a government led by him would address the recommendations of the Janneh Commission, the report says.