President Adama Barrow has been slammed over his threat to crackdown on “endless political events” after the December presidential poll.

The president on Saturday told a State House gathering that he would instruct the police not to issue permits to political events that do not “benefit the country”.

But the Centre for Research and Policy Development (CRPD) described the president’s utterances as “undemocratic”. 

In a statement on Monday, the centre said:

“The CRPD is dismayed and also troubled by President Barrow’s statement and therefore, calling on him to adhere to democratic principles and the rule of law. 

“President Barrow must be reminded that among other things, he was elected on the basis of ending self-perpetuating rule and to return this country to a functioning democratic state.

“His latest threat to restrict and regulate the democratic space after the forthcoming Presidential Election is undemocratic and against the very principle under which he was elected in 2016. 

“President Barrow’s remarks are regrettable as they pose a risk for Gambia’s fledgling democracy. Therefore, we call on President Barrow to be mindful of his seemingly populist statements and instead focus on bridging the social divide in the country.”

“His latest statement will undoubtedly further exacerbate the political polarisation and divisions in the country, ahead of the December Presidential Election,” the group added.

“Members of the police are expected to protect life and property and should not; in any way, allow themselves to be an impediment to the growth of democracy in the country. 

“It is also time for The Gambia Police Force to unequivocally conduct itself as professional, a pro-democracy rule of law institution that respects and upholds the rule of law.”

Reporting by Adama Makasuba