Ousainou Darboe, leader of opposition United Democratic Party (UDP), has made a bold commitment to transform media legislation in The Gambia, vowing to repeal restrictive laws if elected.

He criticised the oppressive nature of Sections 5 and 6 of the Public Order Act, which he claims stifle the rights to assembly and peaceful protest.

“Freedom of the press is a cornerstone of democracy,” Darboe said, underscoring that under a UDP government, the protection of press freedom and constitutional rights would be paramount.

He intended to abolish criminal libel laws, asserting that defamation should be addressed through civil remedies rather than criminal prosecutions.

“We must create an environment where journalists can operate without fear of retribution,” he added.

He also expressed frustration with past inquiry commissions, such as the Janneh Commission, stating that the UDP would not engage in inquiries merely for appearances.

He pledged that any recommendations resulting from such inquiries would be rigorously implemented to tackle corruption head-on. “We need actionable steps, not just reports that gather dust,” he asserted.

Highlighting the significance of transparency in governance, Darboe called for mandatory asset declarations from the President and Cabinet members upon leaving office.

“These reforms are essential for building a culture of accountability and trust in our institutions,” he explained.

He believed that such measures will foster justice, enhance transparency, and promote good governance throughout The Gambia.

Reporting by  Adama Makasuba