Sulayman Sanneh, UDP Candidate for Kaiaf Ward
By Fatou Sillah
United Democratic Party (UDP) candidate Sulayman Sanneh has expressed confidence in his prospects ahead of the Kaiaf Ward by-election in Kiang East, Mansakonko Area Council, scheduled for January 2026, saying lessons learned from past experience have better prepared him for the contest.
Sanneh previously served as councilor for Kaiaf Ward following his election in 2018. He later lost his seat to the late Hamat Ceesay of the National People’s Party (NPP) during the last councilorship elections.
Reflecting on that defeat, Sanneh said it was not a rejection by voters but rather the result of complacency and low voter turnout among his supporters.
“I believe I will win this time. I did not lose because my people did not like me; it was due to overconfidence. Many people believed victory was guaranteed and did not turn out to vote. We have learned from those mistakes,” he said.
Sanneh also argued that the late councilor did not meet residents’ expectations during his tenure, particularly when compared with what he described as the impact of his own first term in office.
“In this coming by-election, we are confident because people saw the difference during my first five years. The late councilor did not deliver what many residents expected,” he said.
According to Sanneh, it was the encouragement of Kaiaf Ward residents that motivated him to seek a return to office.
“The people themselves came to me and urged me to contest after seeing the changes we made. If elected, I will continue to work for my people. I am calling on everyone to come out and vote, and I urge supporters not to be overconfident,” he stated.
He concluded by calling for a peaceful and respectful campaign, emphasizing unity within the community.
“Kiang East belongs to all of us. We are one family. Politics comes and goes, so let us conduct this campaign in peace,” Sanneh said.