In a country where political parties proliferate without clear ideological foundations, it is crucial to ask: What is the actual cost of political ambition?

While every Gambian has the right to freedom of association and to vote and be voted into office, the sheer number of political parties — 30 in a nation with a population of fewer than three million — dilutes the political landscape.

There are too many hustler politicians and political gamblers in Gambian politics.
In an ever-changing political landscape brimming with emerging parties, Mr. Yahya Tamba, the former leader of the No-To-Alliance movement, is setting his sights on the presidency of the Republic of The Gambia.

His bold ambition was on full display when he announced the formation of his own political party on Sunday, marking a crucial turning point in his political journey.

This announcement follows his surprising dismissal from the No-To-Alliance by its Supreme Leader, former President Yahya Jammeh, just months ago.

Tamba’s new party, which is still pending registration, is named the National Alliance for Reconstruction and Development (NARD).

However, a party lacking a clear ideological foundation and comprehensive policy agenda risks failure in the long run. In a thriving democracy, political parties must present coherent platforms and strong values to galvanize and maintain voter support.

Without these essential elements, they are bound to face significant hurdles in their quest for success.

While the informal economy in The Gambia, mainly comprising street vendors, is a significant part of our daily lives, it is interesting to note that the formation of political parties is one of the fastest-growing sectors in the country.

This rapid growth is a stark contrast to the traditional economic landscape, highlighting the increasing influence of politics in our society.

Daily headlines often highlight peripheral political parties that attract investments from citizens, including retirees and educated individuals, resembling a lottery mentality.

For instance, the promise of quick and substantial returns on investment, akin to a lottery jackpot, often lures individuals to these parties. Instead of spending nearly two million Gambian Dalasis on party registration and campaign theatrics, we should consider allocating those resources to more productive initiatives.

For instance, these funds could be used to establish consultancy firms that provide strategic advice to small businesses, civic education hubs that promote civic engagement and awareness, youth mentorship programs that guide young people towards productive careers, or research centers that foster innovation and development.

The return on investment would benefit the nation as a whole, rather than serve personal ambitions.

Today, many political parties exist not as vehicles for a genuine vision, but as ladders to power. Their platforms are often vague, their ideologies are lacking, and their public engagement tends to be performative.

The individuals attracted to these parties, many of whom are educated professionals and self-styled intellectuals, seem more focused on securing positions than on serving the public.

For them, politics has become a shortcut to relevance, rather than a commitment to meaningful reform. This is where we, as citizens and professionals, come in. If we truly possessed the insights and expertise we claim, we would be better suited as university lecturers, policy advisors, or civic entrepreneurs.

Our knowledge has the potential to shape minds, build institutions, and stimulate innovation. Let us not underestimate the power of our knowledge. Instead, we see a troubling trend where the media serves as a stage, political parties become brands, and the public is seen as a mere stepping stone.

This is not a condemnation of political ambition; it is a call to elevate it. Ambition should be rooted in service, not self-interest. Let us all commit to this service-oriented political ambition to bring about the change we want to see.

The time has come for us to reassess the foundation of our political parties. Our intellectuals should be leading with ideas, not slogans.

The Gambia deserves more than hollow politics. It deserves builders, thinkers, and doers. The question is not who seeks power, but who is willing to contribute to nation-building without it.

This call for a shift in our political culture is not just a critique, but a call to urgent action. It is a pressing need that can inspire and motivate us to strive for a better future, where service-oriented political ambition is the norm.

By Alagi Yorro Jallow