By Adama Makasuba

Former Vice President Dr Isatou Touray has acknowledged her share of responsibility for the failures of the Barrow administration, saying her experience in government has strengthened her determination to offer Gambians a different approach to leadership.

Dr Touray made the remarks after submitting her nomination papers to the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) to contest the December 5 presidential election.

She said she was seeking the presidency with humility and a strong sense of responsibility, emphasising the need for leadership that listens, accountable institutions and equal opportunities for Gambians.

Having served as Vice President under President Adama Barrow, Dr Touray said she would not distance herself from the administration’s record or deny her responsibility for its shortcomings.

“I was part of that government administration and I accept my share of responsibility for what it achieved and, importantly, what it failed to deliver,” she said.

She identified the failure to deliver constitutional reforms as one of the major shortcomings of the political transition that brought the Barrow-led coalition to power in 2016.

According to her, the coalition had committed to a three-year transitional presidency and constitutional and institutional reforms to strengthen democracy, but the commitment was later abandoned in favour of a full five-year term.

She said the failure of the 2020 draft constitution, particularly disagreements over the retrospective application of presidential term limits, left the country without the promised constitutional safeguards.

Dr Touray also called for development that directly improves people’s livelihoods, highlighting the need for better support for farmers, economic opportunities for young people and greater participation of women in national development.

She said her experience in public service had taught her important lessons and that accepting responsibility should also mean learning from past mistakes.

Meanwhile, although she submitted her nomination documents, she is expected to complete administrative requirements, including providing proof of secondary education and submitting an asset declaration form, which she said had not been given to her.