United Democratic Party (UDP) leader Ousainu Darboe has called on Gambians at home and abroad to intensify their political engagement ahead of the December 5 presidential election, describing the vote as a defining moment for the country’s future.
Speaking on Saturday at the UDP’s third Diaspora Convention in the United Kingdom, Darboe said The Gambia was at a crossroads, citing economic hardship, youth frustration and uncertainty as reasons for a change in leadership.
“This election is a very consequential one. Our nation is at a crossroads. Our people are suffering. Our youths are desperate and hopeless. We must change leadership and redirect the course,” he said.
Darboe said the UDP and its alliance partners offered an opportunity for political change, but stressed that success would depend on collective action involving party leaders, supporters and voters across the country.
He appealed to Gambians in the diaspora to provide financial and logistical assistance to strengthen the party’s campaign and extend its reach nationwide. He also encouraged them to use their personal networks to persuade relatives and friends at home to support the UDP-led alliance.
Those registered to vote were urged to consider returning to The Gambia to cast their ballots and assist with campaign activities and election-related responsibilities.
The UDP leader accused President Adama Barrow’s administration of corruption and poor governance, alleging that those in power were determined to remain in office partly because an electoral defeat could expose them to greater scrutiny and demands for accountability.
Addressing relations with other opposition parties, Darboe urged his supporters to avoid unnecessary political disputes and concentrate on communicating their message to voters.
“We are not competing against anyone in the opposition,” he said. “We wish them well in their pursuits.”
He called on supporters to use social media platforms and available resources to strengthen the campaign, while warning that political tensions, accusations and negative publicity could intensify as election day approaches.
Darboe advised party members not to respond to insults or provocation with personal attacks, arguing that such distractions could undermine their efforts. Instead, he urged them to emphasise the UDP-led alliance’s policies, proposed solutions and vision for the country.
He maintained that voters were more concerned about solutions to their everyday problems than political confrontations and encouraged supporters to engage undecided voters through persuasion and constructive dialogue.
Darboe concluded by expressing confidence that a majority of Gambians would vote for political change in December.
