Minister of Lands, Regional Government and Religious Affairs Hamat Bah has declared that none of the candidates seeking to unseat President Adama Barrow in the December 5 presidential election can match the incumbent’s record in leadership and national development.
Speaking during President Barrow’s Meet-the-People Tour in Manduar, Bah praised the administration’s investments in roads, electricity and education, arguing that these projects demonstrated the progress made under Barrow’s leadership.
The minister insisted that the president’s development record would be a major factor in the election and suggested that some opposition candidates were already preparing explanations for a possible defeat.
“No one can deceive voters anymore. Some candidates are preparing excuses so that when they are defeated they can justify their loss,” Bah said.
He also commended the administration for what he described as an expansion of democratic freedoms, claiming that The Gambia had reached a level of democracy unmatched elsewhere in West Africa.
Bah pointed to the provision of state-funded security for presidential candidates as an example of the government’s commitment to democratic participation. He described the arrangement as unprecedented in the country’s political history.
The minister nevertheless stressed that political competition must be conducted within the law, warning that disagreements between parties and their supporters should not threaten national peace and stability.
He urged political leaders to discourage violence and called on supporters to avoid actions that could trigger unrest as the election approaches.
According to Bah, Gambians have benefited from peace, democratic freedoms and development under the current administration, and he warned against allowing political rivalry to put those gains at risk.
He called on citizens to respect the law, maintain peaceful relations and reject attempts to provoke violence during the campaign period.
“We have a good leader, and on the 5th of December you vote for him so he can continue,” Bah said, urging voters to renew Barrow’s mandate.
His remarks come as the president continues his nationwide Meet-the-People Tour ahead of the December election. Senior government officials accompanying the tour have been using public engagements to highlight the administration’s record and appeal for continued support.
With the election approaching, Bah’s comments reflect the ruling camp’s effort to present Barrow’s development record as a central argument for re-election, while questioning the opposition’s ability to offer a stronger alternative.
