Several arguments, discussions and write-ups
have been cropped to suggest that the electoral process in
the Gambia is not an essential factor or element to the
makings of a viable political system and democratic
governance in the country. This paper examines in the
contrary, stressing that the electoral process in the
Gambia has been a key player, very unique and significant
instrument to the peace the country and its people enjoy.
This in effect has contributed to the realization of a viable
political system and governance that the Gambia is widely
acclaimed for in the ECOWAS Sub-region and the rest of
the international community. The paper examines the
various mechanisms, dynamics and strategies that the two
republics’ leaders have employed in their efforts to
strengthen, deepen and consolidate on the peace enjoyed
and fascinating electoral atmosphere which the political
system and ideals seriously embrace and encourage. The
paper argues that, in spite of the diverse nature of the
tribal groupings that make up the small nation in the subregion
and the political differences within the multi-party
politics, the “first-past-the-post” electoral system which is
also known as a “single-member plurality and from which
a unique voting ideology that is traditional in nature was
designed prior to 1960 elections, which involves the use of
“drums and marbles” by dropping ‘tokens’ in the ballot
boxes for sounds to be heard and be sure that the vote has
been cast, only, but, once, was designed.
This paper argues further that, although, the two
regimes have played significant roles in this process after
independence in 1965, however, efforts of consolidation
and sustenance have been more pragmatic, achieving and
fulfilling under Yahya Jammeh of the second republic till
date. These redoubled efforts have no doubts culminated
into preponderance of development strides and electoral
growth that have helped the political climate and process
to manage its peace and non-violence, believed to be
uncommon elsewhere in Africa.