Hamat Bah Says No Presidential Challenger Can Match Barrow’s Record, Warns Against Election Violence

By Makutu Manneh

Hamat Bah, Minister of Lands, Regional Government, and Religious Affairs, has declared that none of the candidates challenging President Adama Barrow in the December 5 presidential election can match his record of achievements, leadership, and commitment to national development.

Speaking during President Barrow’s Meet-the-People Tour in Manduar, Mr. Bah praised the president’s performance in office, citing investments in roads, electricity, and education as evidence of what he described as unprecedented progress under the current administration.

The minister argued that President Barrow’s development record speaks for itself and accused some opposition candidates of preparing excuses for a potential electoral defeat.

“No one can deceive voters anymore. Some candidates are preparing excuses so that when they are defeated they can justify their loss,” he said.

Mr. Bah also praised what he described as the expansion of democratic freedoms under President Barrow, claiming that The Gambia enjoys a level of democracy unmatched elsewhere in West Africa.

He cited the provision of state-funded security for presidential candidates as an example of the administration’s commitment to democratic participation, describing the arrangement as unprecedented in the country’s political history.

The minister maintained that democratic competition must be conducted within the confines of the law, emphasizing that political differences should not be allowed to undermine national stability.

He urged political parties and their supporters to reject violence and refrain from actions that could threaten the peace ahead of the presidential election.

According to Mr. Bah, Gambians have experienced peace, democratic freedoms, and development under the current administration and should not allow political rivalry to jeopardize those gains.

He called on citizens to respect the law, maintain peaceful coexistence, and resist any attempts to incite unrest during the election period.

“We have a good leader, and on the 5th of December you vote for him so he can continue,” he said, urging voters to give President Barrow another mandate.

The minister’s remarks come as President Barrow continues his nationwide Meet-the-People Tour ahead of the December presidential election, with senior government officials highlighting his administration’s development record and appealing for continued public support.