The candidate outlined a platform centered on state reform, the fight against corruption, judicial independence, the empowerment of women and young people, economic and food sovereignty, and the modernization of public services.
Breaking with traditional political practices
One of the central pillars of Marie Sock’s platform is her determination to “break the system of corrupt political parties.” She advocates for governance based on transparency, accountability and zero tolerance for corruption.
The candidate also rejects political patronage and favoritism in the management of public affairs. In her view, competence must take precedence over political affiliation or personal loyalty when appointing people to positions of responsibility within the state.
She therefore proposes constitutional reforms aimed at strengthening the independence of the judiciary and Parliament, while increasing transparency and oversight of the executive branch.
On presidential terms, Marie Sock supports a limit of two five-year terms, meaning a maximum of ten years in office. According to her, this principle would encourage political alternation and strengthen the accountability of leaders to citizens.
Women and young people at the heart of her vision
Women’s leadership occupies a central place in the candidate’s political vision. Marie Sock wants to increase women’s participation in political and economic decision-making while promoting their empowerment through education, entrepreneurship and greater access to economic opportunities.
Young people are also a major priority. The candidate intends to make employment, vocational training, entrepreneurship and modern agriculture key tools in the fight against youth unemployment.
According to Marie Sock, the phenomenon commonly known as the “Backway,” referring to irregular migration, is partly driven by the lack of economic opportunities available to young Gambians.
She therefore advocates creating more opportunities within the country so that young people can build their future in Gambia rather than taking dangerous migration routes.
Food sovereignty and agricultural development
Food security is another major priority of her proposed programme. Marie Sock has announced an ambitious rice-production initiative aimed at increasing domestic production and reducing Gambia’s dependence on food imports.
The modernization of agriculture, she argues, should strengthen food sovereignty while creating jobs and stimulating rural economies.
On the economic front, she also wants to promote local production, support Gambian businesses and strengthen the role of the dalasi within the national economy.
She further advocates improving workers’ purchasing power through wage increases and a higher minimum wage.
A more modern and digital administration.
Digital transformation is another important component of her programme. Marie Sock wants to accelerate the digitalization of public services in order to make government more efficient, accessible and transparent.
According to her vision, digitalization should also help reduce bureaucratic procedures and limit opportunities for corruption in interactions between citizens and public institutions.
Health, education and infrastructure
The candidate places significant emphasis on social services. She wants to improve the country’s healthcare infrastructure, strengthen access to medical care and raise the quality of health services.
In education, she intends to develop training programmes that are better aligned with the needs of the Gambian economy, particularly in vocational and technical fields.
Infrastructure, especially roads and public facilities, is also identified as an area requiring greater investment and modernization.
Tourism and social protection
Tourism, one of the important sectors of the Gambian economy, also features prominently in the ASD’s vision.
Marie Sock wants to further develop the tourism industry while strengthening mechanisms to protect local communities, particularly children and minors.
She advocates for a tourism model that combines economic growth with strong standards of safety, ethics and social protection.
Building a united Gambia
On the political and social front, Marie Sock calls for an end to tribalism, favoritism and political patronage.
She advocates for a Gambia in which every citizen, regardless of ethnic background or community, enjoys equal rights and opportunities.
During her press briefing, the candidate also criticized what she described as discriminatory practices by the current authorities, reiterating her belief that Gambia belongs to all its citizens and communities.
A new political alternative
Through the Alliance of Social Democrats, Marie Sock is seeking to present a new political alternative built around several core principles: justice, equality, transparency, competence, inclusion and progress.
Her platform places particular emphasis on security, food and economic sovereignty, job creation, the empowerment of women and young people, modernization of the state and institutional reform.
As the 2026 presidential election approaches, Marie Sock seeks to make her candidacy an alternative to the political model she criticizes and to place women’s leadership at the heart of Gambia’s political debate.
The next stage will be the publication of the party’s full campaign manifesto, which is expected to provide greater detail on the mechanisms, timelines and financial resources required to implement these proposals.
With her candidacy, Marie Sock aims to turn the upcoming presidential election into an opportunity for a new model of governance based, in her words, on competence, accountability and the public interest.
Moussa Diba
