In politics, alliances and enmities can be fluid and are often shaped by ever-changing circumstances. What may seem like a steadfast friendship or animosity at one point can evolve due to shifts in political landscapes, ideologies, or personal interests. While some alliances can endure for extended periods, political dynamics can lead to unexpected changes.
It’s crucial for politicians to navigate relationships strategically, considering the dynamic nature of politics and the need to build coalitions or make pragmatic decisions based on evolving situations.
The way individuals react to defections within their party ranks can indeed be a significant test of the strength and resilience of a democracy. A healthy democratic system should allow for a diversity of opinions and the freedom of individuals to make choices based on their convictions. However, the reactions to defections can reveal several aspects of the democratic culture:
Tolerance for Diverse Views: A robust democracy should be able to accommodate differing perspectives, even within political parties. Tolerance for ideological diversity contributes to a more vibrant political landscape.
Transparency and Accountability: How parties and individuals handle defections reflects their commitment to transparency and accountability. Open communication about reasons for defection and its implications helps maintain trust in the democratic process.
Adherence to Democratic Values: Democracies thrive when individuals and parties adhere to democratic values, such as the right to dissent, freedom of association, and the fair competition of ideas. Suppressing these principles can weaken the democratic fabric.
Voter Empowerment: The reactions of voters to defections are crucial. In a healthy democracy, voters should be empowered with information to make informed decisions, even in the face of changing party dynamics.
Institutional Strength: A democracy’s institutions, including political parties, should demonstrate resilience in the face of challenges like defections. Strong institutions can navigate changes without compromising the democratic process.
Ultimately, the true test lies in whether a democracy can weather the complexities and challenges posed by defections while upholding the core principles that underpin the democratic system.
Indeed, democratic ideals emphasize the importance of respecting individual choices, including the decision to switch political allegiance. In a democratic system, citizens and politicians alike have the freedom to change their political affiliations based on evolving beliefs, values, or circumstances. This reflects the principles of freedom of association and the right to express diverse political opinions.
However, it’s equally important for politicians to be transparent about their decisions and to communicate openly with their constituents. Public trust is a fundamental aspect of a healthy democracy, and politicians who switch allegiances should strive to maintain transparency and accountability to ensure that the democratic process remains robust and responsive to the needs of the people.
I do not think that anyone who has not for a day have to wear the boots of Momodou Sabally have the moral yardstick to measure his level of integrity. A young man with a growing family who has been deprived of cementing his productivity in our governance space cannot be expected to live on handouts perpetually.
There are indeed no permanent friends or enemies in politics and how we react to political defections shows our ability to transcend and navigate the theoretical waters of democratic propaganda to real practical acceptance and embrace of true democratic ideals.
Aung San Suu Kyi once a prominent opposition figure in Myanmar, she later became involved in the government, serving as State Counsellor.
Ronald Reagan originally a Democrat, Reagan later became a Republican and went on to become the 40th President of the United States.
David Cameron the former British Prime Minister began his political career as a member of the Conservative Party but later joined the ruling coalition with the Liberal Democrats.
Charlie Crist was a Republican governor of Florida but later ran for the U.S. Senate as an independent and eventually became a Democrat.
Julius Malema originally a prominent member of the African National Congress (ANC) in South Africa, he later founded the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), becoming a significant opposition leader.
Michael Bloomberg was elected as the Mayor of New York City as a Republican but later switched to being an independent and eventually a Democrat.
Winston Churchill, who switched from the Conservative Party to the Liberal Party and later rejoined the Conservatives is acclaimed as one of the most successful and outstanding Prime Minister Great Britain ever saw and trust me he dammed the Conservative party when he identified as a Liberal and dammed the Liberals when he identified as a Conservative.Momodou Sabally will most likely do same; it cannot and should not, in politics ,be a test of his integrity.
Political shifts can be influenced by a variety of factors, including ideological changes, policy disagreements, or strategic considerations.
There are those of us that can remain an opposition till we go to our graves. God has given each one of us the ability to make choices and also different levels of tolerance and strength. Let us recognise diversity and understand that not everyone is a Femi Peters, Ngogoi Njie, Sukai Dahaba and definitely the immortal Solo Sandeng.
The United Democratic Party is not a party that was built on the strength of incumbency. This is a party that had its foundations cemented by the blood, tears and sweat of illustrious sons and daughters of The Gambia and whose obstinate desire to see a progressive and emancipated Gambia meant making the ultimate sacrifice.
The party has sought relevance and prominence albeit not without bruises and scars, ulcers and fatality. Some will coalesce for a moment yet others will align for a lifetime. The ability to recognise the distinct uniqueness of both shows our depth of understanding, commitment and focus of greater things ahead.
Sabally’s season with the United Democratic Party has come to an end. Release him with love and peace and wish him well on all endeavours. In the final analysis, the objective of our great party, the United Democratic Party, is to secure victory in 2026 and nothing therefore should be allowed to derail this goal if it is indeed God’s will.
M. ROBERTSON ROBERTS ESQ.
