It is now 16 years since The Gambia came under a leadership that restored its pride by not only embarking on infrastructural projects but also engendering democratic and political reforms. Almost on a constant basis, we have seen the leadership either establishing new democratic institutions or strengthening the existing ones.

This explains why the country has been able to register great achievements within a short space of time. The government under President Jammeh has consolidated the state's role in disseminating democratic values among the citizens, thus giving them the confidence to become part of the national development process.

Democracy is a means for the people to choose their leaders and to hold them accountable for their policies and their conduct in office. The people decide who will represent them in parliament, and who will head the government at the national and local levels. They do so by choosing between competing parties in regular, free and fair elections; hence government is based on the consent of the governed.

A working democracy is therefore one in which the ability of the elected representatives to exercise decision-making powers is subject to the rule of law, moderated by a constitution that emphasises the protection of the rights and freedoms of individuals.It was with the coming of President Jammeh that the country got for the first time in our history, a constitution that puts into consideration the culture and tradition of the people.

An Independent Electoral Commission was also erected to administer elections on a free and fair basis. The institution has been conducting the most free, fair and transparent elections in the continent. The government has also put in place an effective and efficient judiciary that dispenses justice and ensures a more just and democratic society so that the cultures of tolerance, civility, and forbearance can become the country's trademark.

The office of the Ombudsman was also created to prevent discrimination and unwarranted harassments at work so that wages can commensurate labor, thereby putting a halt to the culture of exploitation. The three arms of our government are also operating on the basis of separation of powers with the necessary checks and balance mechanisms.

God does not ordain a democratic society; it is built by a people. The intention of the leadership has always been to build a Gambia where people contribute to the advancement of humanity. As the government continues to provide the enabling environment for the citizens to serve as the ultimate guardians of their own freedom, we as Gambians should continue to cement our utmost loyalty to the state.

If democracy is to work, we must not only participate and exercise our rights, but must also observe the principles and rules of democratic conduct.