By Fatou Sillah
Bakary K. Badjie, the National Assembly member for Foni Bintang Karanai and leader of the United Gambia Front, has announced plans for a nationwide “Listening Tour” as he prepares to contest the 2026 presidential election.
Mr. Badjie said the tour would allow him to hear directly from Gambians before developing policies and making campaign commitments. He contrasted his approach with that of politicians who begin their campaigns by making promises.
“My next step will be going to the people and listening to them—from Banjul to Basse, back to Jarra Soma, and then to Kombo,” Mr. Badjie said. “It is a new campaign strategy that I want to introduce to The Gambia, called the Listening Tour.”
He said many Gambians were not expecting political leaders to perform miracles but wanted representatives who understood their daily struggles and considered their views before making decisions.
Mr. Badjie said his years of engagement with farmers, teachers, market vendors, fishermen, and young people had convinced him that public policy should reflect the experiences and priorities of ordinary citizens.
“Many politicians begin with promises they can’t keep, but I begin with a commitment,” he said. “My commitment is to listen to the Gambian people. Policy matters, but before policy come principles, and my principle is to listen to the Gambian people.”
Mr. Badjie also blamed corruption and poor leadership for denying many Gambians opportunities to improve their living conditions. He said his campaign would seek to offer honest and accountable leadership while restoring hope that citizens could build a better future.
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