By Fatou Gassama
United Democratic Party (UDP) leader Ousainu Darboe has set a target of 75 per cent of the vote for his party in the Kanifing Municipality ahead of the 5th December presidential election.
Darboe made the declaration on Saturday while addressing supporters at a UDP rally held at Kotu Quarry hosted by Banjul Mayor Rohey Lowe.
“My challenge is we want nothing less than 75 per cent of votes in KM,” Darboe told the gathering.
He described the municipality as one of the key battlegrounds in the election and said the UDP’s commitment, combined with the dedication of its supporters, would be critical to achieving its political objectives.
Darboe warns against Barrow re-election
Darboe urged Gambians to reject President Adama Barrow’s bid for another five-year term, warning that the country would face further difficulties if Barrow’s mandate were renewed.
“God forbid if you vote for Barrow for another five-year term, this country will sink,” Darboe said.
He teasingly added that if the situation worsens, he would consider taking the irregular migration route to Europe, commonly known as the “back way”.
“If that happens, I could also go on the ‘back way’ like the young people are doing,” he said.
Darboe called on voters to give the UDP five years in office, saying the party would implement its four-point agenda.
He said the agenda would focus on introducing progressive new laws, salvaging the economy, strengthening national security and transforming the public service into “a republican service”.
The UDP leader also said political will and unity are necessary for Gambians to change the government through the ballot box.
Coalition gains new support
The rally featured a formal signing involving Burr Touray and his team, who joined the UDP-led Gambia First Coalition.
Coalition representatives and UDP officials addressed the gathering, with speakers focusing on political mobilisation, unity and grassroots engagement ahead of the December election.
Lowe appeals to KM voters
Mayor Rohey Malick Lowe urged residents of Latrikunda, Manjai and Kotu Quarry to support Darboe and the UDP in December.
Lowe pointed to the rising cost of living, asking residents to consider the pressure facing households when making their electoral choice.
“You can say you don’t [support] Darboe, but we all know how expensive things are in the market,” she said.
The event brought together UDP supporters, residents and political activists from Kotu and surrounding communities.