United Democratic Party (UDP) leader Ousainu Darboe has called on his supporters to turn their enthusiasm into votes in the December 5 presidential election, insisting that his party has the answers to The Gambia’s challenges.
Darboe made the appeal in a recorded video message on Wednesday after heavy rain forced organisers to cut short a major opposition rally at the Fajikunda Bajonkoto Football Field. The downpour prevented him from addressing the thousands of supporters who had gathered at the venue.
The rally, known as “Percentenge Bi Vol. 2”, was organised by the Gambia First Coalition in the Kanifing Municipal Council area as part of efforts to mobilise support ahead of the presidential election.
Although unable to attend to the crowd in person, Darboe used his video message to thank supporters in The Gambia and abroad for what he described as an impressive turnout, particularly given that the event had been organised in less than four days.
He credited the mobilisation to the joint efforts of the coalition’s partners, noting that the gathering reflected support beyond the UDP’s own membership. He also acknowledged those who provided financial and logistical assistance, as well as supporters who stayed at the venue despite the heavy rain.
However, the veteran opposition leader warned that large crowds at political rallies would not, on their own, guarantee victory at the polls.
He urged party members to take the campaign into their neighbourhoods, homes and social circles, encouraging them to engage undecided voters and persuade them to support the UDP.
“Talk to each other and convince those who are not with you to come over to the UDP,” Darboe said. “Because the Gambia’s solution today is the United Democratic Party; forget about the distractions.”
Darboe also called for restraint among supporters engaging in political discussions on social media, particularly on Facebook and TikTok. He urged them to use the platforms to communicate the party’s message rather than become caught up in personal disputes and exchanges with political opponents.
He singled out Bayo Sonko in his remarks, warning against allowing online arguments to undermine the coalition’s campaign objectives.
“You know your mission; your mission is to rescue this country,” Darboe said. “And you cannot rescue this country if you get involved in trivial exchanges. Don’t do it. And to all our people, please let’s not allow people to distract us.”
His message focused on converting the energy displayed at the Fajikunda gathering into practical campaign work, with supporters encouraged to concentrate on voter engagement as the election approaches.
Darboe ended his address by thanking those who contributed to the rally and appealing to Gambians living in Europe, particularly Spain, Italy and Germany, to attend a major gathering scheduled for Saturday, October 10, in Spain.
The appeal comes as political parties and coalitions step up their mobilisation efforts ahead of the December 5 presidential election.
