As The Gambia approaches its December 2026 presidential election, Marie Sock Diaby, an independent presidential candidate supported by the Alliance Social Démocratie (ASD), is presenting an ambitious vision for the country’s future. Her priorities include implementing genuine institutional reforms, strengthening accountability, creating opportunities for young people, empowering women, and positioning The Gambia as a major logistics and commercial hub in West Africa. Through her slogan, “Wato Sita” — “The Time Has Come” — she calls on Gambians to unite behind a new direction for their nation.
For Marie Sock Diaby, The Gambia needs a new political direction. She believes the country must move beyond partisan politics and establish a system founded on strong institutions, credible laws, and a genuine constitution that safeguards the rights and freedoms of its citizens.
Institutional reform stands at the heart of her political vision. She argues that the reforms expected since 2016 have not been sufficiently implemented and pledges to make them a reality under her leadership.
Her ambition is to build a more accountable state, where institutions function effectively and public officials are committed to serving the people rather than pursuing personal or partisan interests.
One of the central pillars of Marie Sock Diaby’s vision is the transformation of The Gambia’s strategic geographical position into a powerful engine of economic growth
.She aims to position the country as a gateway for trade, business, technology, and transportation across West Africa. This strategy is intended to attract investment, stimulate economic activity, and create sustainable employment opportunities.
For the independent candidate, economic development must deliver tangible benefits to ordinary citizens. Young people, many of whom face limited employment prospects, are a particular priority.
Her vision is to create an environment where young Gambians can find jobs, launch businesses, and build successful futures at home rather than feeling compelled to undertake dangerous migration journeys in search of better opportunities.
Marie Sock Diaby places women and young people at the centre of her development agenda, convinced that national progress depends on their economic inclusion and empowerment.
She highlights initiatives aimed at promoting women’s entrepreneurship, creating jobs for young people, and developing agriculture. These sectors, she believes, are essential to strengthening women’s economic independence, improving family livelihoods, and supporting national growth.
Her approach also seeks to promote inclusive governance, ensuring that the concerns and aspirations of different social groups are represented in the country’s development priorities.
Beyond economic and institutional reforms, Marie Sock Diaby advocates social cohesion, dialogue, and peaceful coexistence among all segments of Gambian society.
She intends to work with communities across the country, including Muslim and Christian religious leaders, as well as traditional authorities. In her vision, building a new Gambia requires the active participation of all stakeholders in a spirit of peace, mutual respect, and shared responsibility.
Sport is another area she intends to support. Her ambition is to encourage innovation and contribute to the development of Gambian sport, creating more opportunities for young athletes and emerging talents.
Marie Sock Diaby’s candidacy comes at a time when women continue to face significant social and political barriers in their pursuit of the highest offices in government.
She sees the December 2026 election as an opportunity to demonstrate that women’s leadership can help renew political practices, strengthen public accountability, and open new possibilities for Gambian society.
Her message emphasises peace, responsibility, and political independence. She calls on citizens to look beyond partisan divisions and place the national interest at the centre of political decision-making.
While she presents herself as an alternative to established political approaches, the final outcome of the December 2026 election will ultimately be determined by the Gambian electorate.
“When women lead, nations rise.” This conviction captures the ambition behind Marie Sock Diaby’s political vision.
Through her slogan, “Wato Sita” — “The Time Has Come” — she invites Gambians to believe in the possibility of a fresh start and a better future.
Her vision is to build a Gambia with strong institutions, credible laws, a respected constitution, and a government composed of committed women and men dedicated to serving the people.
A Gambia where trade and innovation generate wealth, agriculture contributes to prosperity, women have the resources to build successful businesses, and young people can find meaningful opportunities without having to leave their homeland.
As the country prepares for the December 2026 presidential election, Marie Sock Diaby is calling for support for her independent movement and her vision of a new Gambia.
Supporting Marie Sock Diaby, her supporters believe, means embracing a new beginning for The Gambia.
WATO SITA — THE TIME HAS COME. A NEW GAMBIA, A NEW DIRECTION, A NEW FUTURE.
Moussa Diba
