December 5 Election Offers Chance to Restore Gambia’s Lost Glory, Says Saho

By Seedy Jobe

Sulayman Saho, the National Assembly Member for Central Badibou and National Organizing Secretary of the United Democratic Party (UDP), has described the December 5 presidential election as an opportunity to renew hope, restore national unity, and reclaim what he called The Gambia’s lost glory.

Speaking at the UDP’s presidential nomination rally on Monday, Mr. Saho said the occasion represented more than the formal nomination of the party’s leader, Ousainu Darboe. He portrayed it as a defining moment in the country’s political future, expressing confidence that Gambians would elect the UDP leader as president.

Mr. Saho said the party’s campaign was centered on restoring the country’s social cohesion, cultural diversity, and longstanding traditions of peaceful coexistence, which he suggested had deteriorated over the years.

He emphasized that the responsibility for bringing about political change rested with ordinary Gambians, particularly the men and women who would cast their ballots on election day.

Addressing supporters gathered at the rally, he pointed to the mothers and fathers in attendance, describing them as the driving force behind the political change the UDP hopes to achieve.

Mr. Saho expressed confidence that a UDP administration would introduce sweeping institutional reforms, including changes to the civil service and foreign service, as well as the adoption of a new constitution.

He said the proposed constitutional reforms would strengthen democratic governance and empower women and young people, giving them a greater role in shaping the country’s future.

The lawmaker repeatedly urged supporters to turn out in large numbers on December 5, stressing that every vote would be crucial to the party’s electoral prospects.

He assured supporters that their votes would be protected and encouraged them not to remain at home on election day.

Invoking the familiar saying, “Where there is a will, there is a way,” Mr. Saho challenged the crowd to demonstrate its determination to bring about a change of government.

He maintained that collective action and a strong voter turnout would be essential to achieving the political transformation the party was advocating.

Mr. Saho also acknowledged the efforts of the organizing committees responsible for coordinating the nomination rally.

He thanked committee members for their dedication, noting that approximately four or five committees had worked together to ensure the event’s success.

He said their collective efforts demonstrated the commitment and organizational strength of the party as it prepared for the December presidential election.