By Fatou Sillah
Mama Kandeh, party leader and secretary general of the Gambia Democratic Congress (GDC), has declared that his party is prepared to risk their lives to ensure a fair and credible presidential election in 2026.
Speaking to supporters at his residence in Kombo Kiti, Kandeh criticized the ruling National People’s Party (NPP) for what he described as overconfidence ahead of the polls.
“December 2026—they [NPP] are already boasting that they have won and that the UDP is divided,” Kandeh said. “If President Barrow is afraid of elections, this is the one he should be afraid of, because the previous ones were jokes. This time, we are ready to put our lives on the line.”
The GDC leader also issued a stern warning to the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC), urging the body not to repeat the alleged irregularities that, according to him, marred the 2016 and 2021 elections.
“From today, I am warning the IEC—what happened in 2016 and 2021 will not happen again. Gambians are saying enough is enough. We will act as referees to ensure fairness and equal treatment for every citizen,” he said.
Kandeh further stressed that Gambians will no longer tolerate injustice or discrimination, calling for equality and respect for all citizens.
“Thinking that some people are better than others must stop. We will respect every Gambian and those in positions of authority—but they must also respect their duties. No one will deny us our rights,” he asserted.
He also accused the IEC of allowing the ruling party to continue voter registration beyond the official deadline during the 2021 electoral process, questioning the integrity of the registration exercise.