Gambian Election :An Evolution of New Political Paradigm In Africa-NGO

A Non-governmental Organisation (NGO) Advocacy for Advancement of Peace and Harmony in Africa Initiative (ADAPHAI)  has described the just concluded election in the Gambia as an evolution of new political paradigm in Africa.

Speaking on the outcome of the election on Saturday with scores of newsmen in Osogbo,   the Executive Director of the group,  Mr Olaniyi Ajibola said the Gambian election has reaffirmed the quest for democratisation in Africa.

Ajibola opined that the political events in many African countries since the tail end of 20th century have confirmed an evolution of a new political paradigm with high level of consciousness.

According to him,  the new paradigm has been institutionalised by the cognitive political culture imbibed by the electorate,  against crude and subjective ideology of old,  which was antithetical to democratic ethos.

The Peace Advocate explained that the pertinent  factor that determines speedy and steady development is stable political atmosphere, which is a fallout of legitimate government, where the outcome of an election reflects the actual voting pattern of the electorate.

In his words,  “President Yaya Jammeh of Gambian has really redefine the tenets of democracy in the small African country,  which should be a template for governance in the country.”

Ajibola argued that the 22-year reign of Jammeh has clearly painted the West African country black among the comity of democratic countries as a jungle, under the whim of a dictator.

He added that the political developments in Senegal,  Ghana, Nigeria,  and the Arab spring have become a model in Africa,  which gives credence to the superiority of political sovereignty of the electorate at all times.

“With the newly concluded presidential election in the Gambia,  there is indeed a conscious evolution of new political dynamics in Africa, which re-establishes the status of the electorate as the major determinants in any poll.

“Definitely, the turn of political events in many African states have shown that the liberty and sovereignty of the people remain paramount and non-negotiable.

“The change in political order in many of the African countries through democratic means and without obvious external  influence have solidify the hope of swift democratisation in Africa,  with matured and conscious voting populace.

“We indeed wish Mr Adama Barrow well as he takes the mantle of leadership in Gambia,  and remind him of the need to be responsive to the superior interests of his people without limit,  and uphold democratic ethos without sentiment, ” Ajibola said.

The Peace Activist however called on President Robert Mugabe of Zimbabwe to facilitate  the process of democratic transition in the country,  and  quit the political stage honourably for the purpose of sustainable peace.