United Democratic Party (UDP) leader and Gambia First Coalition flag bearer Ousainou Darboe has blamed the Adama Barrow administration for what he described as widespread economic hardship across the country, calling on Gambians to use the December 5 presidential election to bring about political change.
Speaking at a political rally in Foni Sibanor on Friday evening, Darboe said the challenges confronting residents in Foni were no different from those experienced by communities in Sandu, Niani and Kantora.
He argued that the similarities in the concerns raised by citizens across the country demonstrated the scale of the difficulties facing Gambians.
“The cry in Foni is the same as that of the people of Sandu, Niani, and Kantora,” Darboe told supporters.
He described the situation as “one big wound” affecting Gambians regardless of religion, tribe or gender, and attributed the hardship to the leadership of the Barrow administration.
“Barrow did not lead this country as expected; that’s why Gambians are enduring hardship,” he said.
The rally marked Darboe’s 12th campaign meeting as the opposition coalition continues its nationwide mobilisation ahead of the December 5 presidential election.
Turning to the question of political change, Darboe urged Gambians to pursue change through peaceful and democratic means, stressing that the ballot box remains the principal instrument available to voters.
“They will not use knives or sticks,” he said. “They have one weapon which is more powerful than the atomic bomb, which Gambians said they will throw onto President Barrow and his people to break them into pieces, and that will be done on the 5th of December.”
Darboe also referred to the recently concluded voter registration exercise, particularly highlighting young people who registered to participate in the election.
He said the acquisition of voter cards reflected the desire of many Gambians to have a voice in determining the country’s political leadership.
“Not long ago, Gambians went in search of voter cards, particularly those who attained the requirement. Those people went with the vision that their voter card will be their voice and their weapon,” he said.
The veteran lawyer urged residents of Sibanor and other voters to safeguard their voter cards until election day, stressing that the purpose of the card is to enable citizens to exercise their constitutional right to choose their preferred president.
Darboe further criticised individuals campaigning for President Barrow’s re-election, accusing them of putting personal interests ahead of the welfare of the Gambian people.
“Those campaigning for President Barrow are the people who want to root hardship in this country. Those people are only in for their personal interest,” he claimed.
He called on voters who want an end to what he described as widespread hardship to support his candidacy at the polls.
“For those of you who are in for the interest of this country and want to remove the hardship, the way to do it is to vote on the 5th of December for Alhagie Lawyer Ousainou Darboe,” he said.
