Darboe Says UDP Seeks Elders’ Trust and Prayers Ahead of December Election

By Seedy Jobe

United Democratic Party leader A.N.M. Ousainu Darboe says his party’s visit to community elders in Katamina was not a campaign event but an effort to seek their trust and prayers ahead of the December presidential election.

Speaking during the meeting, Darboe said the UDP draws strength and encouragement from communities across the country and wanted to formally seek the elders’ support and blessings.

“We did not come here to campaign; we came to place our trust in the elders and seek their prayers,” he said.

Darboe acknowledged that the official campaign period has not yet begun but said political engagement should not be confined to rallies and formal campaign events. He encouraged supporters to discuss issues affecting the country during everyday interactions, including at gardens, naming ceremonies and other community gatherings.

He argued that Gambians across political lines recognize the economic hardships facing the country and said voters have the power to bring about change through the ballot box.

“Anyone who votes for NPP is increasing the country’s hardship. Anyone who denies NPP votes wants the progress of the country,” Darboe said.

The UDP leader also urged voters, particularly young people, to protect their voter cards ahead of the election. He suggested that those concerned about keeping their cards safe could entrust them to elders for safekeeping.

Turning to political parties that have joined the UDP-led alliance, Darboe said their decision to work with the UDP should be welcomed. He said the parties could have fielded their own presidential candidates but instead chose to join forces with the UDP in what he described as an effort to serve the country’s interests.

“For them to come and join the UDP is something to be happy about,” he said.

Darboe urged UDP members to welcome newcomers with respect and openness. He stressed that appointments or positions given to new members should not be interpreted as making them more important than longtime party members.

He also welcomed 70 young people who recently joined the UDP and encouraged them to reach out to their peers and expand the party’s membership.

Darboe maintained that defeating the governing National People’s Party at the ballot box would provide what he sees as a path toward addressing the country’s economic difficulties.