Darboe Says Voting for NPP Means Choosing Continued Hardship

By Seedy Jobe

United Democratic Party leader Ousainu Darboe has told voters in Madina Angalleh that supporting the National People’s Party in the December 5 presidential election would amount to choosing another five years of hardship.

Darboe made the remarks on Thursday during a visit to Madina Angalleh in Kiang Central, Lower River Region, as part of the UDP’s ongoing political outreach.

Addressing residents, Darboe said his party was traveling across the country to engage communities it believes could play an important role in determining the country’s political future.

“Anyone in The Gambia who is a politician and wants to be a presidential candidate, that ambition will not be fulfilled if the people of Madina Angalleh do not join you,” he said.

Darboe urged residents to recognize the importance of their voter cards, saying they were not obtained simply to be kept at home but to give citizens a voice in deciding the country’s leadership.

He also warned voters against exchanging their support for money or material gifts.

“Keep your vote and don’t allow it to be destroyed,” Darboe said. “Don’t allow someone to come here, give you D1,000 and take your vote while you remain in hardship for five years.”

He cautioned against staying home on election day, arguing that the December vote would help determine the direction of the country for the next five years.

“Your vote is very important,” he said. “It is your vote that you are going to use to choose the president, National Assembly members, councillors and chairmen.”

Darboe also urged residents not to allow gifts such as plates and cooking pots to influence their political choices.

Turning to Kiang Central’s electoral history, Darboe said the constituency consistently supported former President Yahya Jammeh between 1996 and 2016 rather than the UDP. He said the party had spent years asking voters in the area to give it an opportunity to govern.

“You know what they did for you,” Darboe said. “If they had done something good for you, you know it.”

He urged residents to use this year’s presidential election to decide whether they want a change in government.