28/07/2024
The president’s declaration that he will remain in office until the leader of the principal opposition party has died and his funeral attended is a blatant affront to the foundational principles of democratic governance and human rights.
This assertion undermines the very essence of democratic legitimacy, which hinges on leadership transitions being governed by the electorate's will through impartial and transparent electoral mechanisms. Such a declaration, steeped in personal animus and authoritarian tendencies, subverts the democratic process and jeopardizes the integrity of political institutions. It reflects a profound disregard for the mechanisms of accountability and representative democracy, essential for the proper functioning of any democratic society.
In a functional democracy, the peaceful transfer of power is a cornerstone that ensures stability and respect for the will of the people. The president’s statements signal an alarming propensity for despotism, wherein power is retained through threats and intimidation rather than through democratic endorsement. This rhetoric not only endangers democratic norms but also risks engendering an environment ripe for political violence and social discord. The essential function of any democratic leader is to embody the principles of democratic engagement and to address the needs and aspirations of the populace rather than entrenching themselves through fear and coercion.
Such statements are emblematic of a disconnect between leaders and the democratic ideals they are meant to uphold. They serve as a stark reminder of the consequences of electing officials who fail to align their actions with the principles of democracy and human dignity. The president’s assertion is a callous manifestation of detachment from the genuine needs of the people, and it is imperative for him to retract his statement to prevent further erosion of democratic values and to mitigate potential for violence.
Alieu Jobe
Youth Activist.