By: Alieu Ceesay
A newly formed opposition group, the People’s Alliance for Change (PAC), has sharply criticized President Adama Barrow’s administration for failing to deliver a new constitution, accusing him of relying on the 1997 framework established under former dictator Yahya Jammeh to extend his rule.
At a press conference held at the Alliance Franco-Gambienne, PAC spokesperson Kemo Fatty lambasted the president, stating, “We deserved a new constitution which was supposed to be championed by you. Today, because you have relied on the constitution inherited from a regime that oppressed the Gambian people, you back it to stay longer.”
The criticism comes amid ongoing frustration over stalled constitutional reforms. Efforts to replace the 1997 Jammeh-era constitution have repeatedly failed, most recently in July 2025 when lawmakers rejected the Promulgation Bill, 2024 – the second major setback in five years. Previous attempts, including a 2020 draft that included presidential term limits, were also blocked, partly due to concerns over retroactive clauses that would have limited Barrow’s eligibility.
PAC is positioning itself as a broad coalition aimed at uniting opposition parties, civil society, independent actors, and interest groups to challenge Barrow in the upcoming 2026 presidential election. “Now you must speak together in one voice for the Gambian people… to show him that this is no longer a level playing field for a multi-party contest,” Fatty urged, emphasizing the need to fulfill promises from the 2016 coalition that ousted Jammeh.
A key demand is electoral reforms, including provisions allowing Gambians in the diaspora to vote in national elections – a right already partially recognized in presidential polls but limited in others due to constitutional and logistical hurdles.
Fatty also directly addressed Barrow’s perceived third-term ambitions, declaring, “A third term is not something the Gambian people want… We call upon the opposition to unite so that you can reflect and understand that the time has come to put forward your resignation. If you do that, you will be hailed as a hero.”
Organizers described PAC as a citizen-driven alliance prioritizing national interest over personal ambition. Alimatou Sowe outlined the vision: “PAC envisions a Gambia where leadership is defined by service, not self-interest… a united, peaceful, and progressive Gambia guided by transparency, justice, and strong democratic values.”
The movement plans a nationwide campaign to expand inclusion, with special appeals to youth and women’s groups. “We firmly believe that unity is our strongest tool. Only together can we restore hope, rebuild trust, and deliver leadership worthy of our people,” Sowe added.
As Barrow eyes re-election under his National People’s Party, PAC’s launch signals growing opposition momentum to create a “powerful alliance” for change.
