Darboe Says Free, Fair, and Transparent Election Will Leave No Losers

By Seedy Jobe

The Secretary-General and leader of the United Democratic Party (UDP), ANM Ousainu Darboe, has called for a peaceful, free, and transparent presidential election, saying that all Gambians would emerge as winners if the electoral process is conducted fairly and in accordance with the law.

In a video address to the nation following the Independent Electoral Commission’s (IEC) announcement of the final list of approved candidates for the December 5, 2026, presidential election, Mr. Darboe urged political leaders and their supporters to exercise restraint, promote tolerance, and safeguard the country’s peace throughout the campaign period.

Addressing supporters of the UDP and members of the Gambia First Coalition, Mr. Darboe emphasized the importance of discipline, dignity, and respect for the law.

He said their conduct should demonstrate that the principles outlined in the Janjanbureh Accord, a pact intended to promote peaceful political engagement, are values they already uphold, making such an agreement unnecessary to guide their behavior.

Mr. Darboe described the forthcoming election as an opportunity for national healing and urged Gambians to work collectively toward making it the most peaceful and credible election in the country’s history.

He stressed that while voters and political actors have a responsibility to maintain discipline, the IEC bears an equally important obligation to ensure that the electoral process is free, fair, and transparent.

According to him, the commission must conduct the election in a manner that inspires confidence among all stakeholders and upholds its reputation for integrity and commitment to fair play.

Mr. Darboe also sought to ease political tensions by reminding Gambians that presidential candidates are competitors rather than enemies, united by a shared desire to improve the country.

He said each candidate is seeking the trust of the electorate to implement what they believe is the best vision for The Gambia, adding that political differences should not undermine national unity.

The UDP leader urged presidential candidates to lead by example, exercise tolerance, and remain measured in their public statements. He also called on them to encourage their supporters, sympathizers, and admirers to avoid inflammatory rhetoric or actions that could threaten national stability.

Mr. Darboe maintained that the credibility of the electoral process would be essential to ensuring that all participants, regardless of the outcome, could regard the election as a collective victory for the country.

“At the end of the day, if IEC does everything in accordance with the law, transparently, fairly there will be no losers. We will all have been the winners,” he said.

He concluded by urging Gambians to approach the campaign as brothers and sisters, preserving the country’s longstanding traditions of tolerance, mutual respect, and joking relationships.

Mr. Darboe appealed to political actors and their supporters to refrain from conduct that could jeopardize the peace and stability of The Gambia, a country widely known as the Smiling Coast of Africa.