The secretary-general and leader of Gambia’s main opposition United Democratic Party (UDP) Lawyer Ousainou Darboe has asserted that elections are not tribal censuses, but overwhelmingly significant national and local exercises that define the country’s outlook.
Speaking in an interview with JollofNews at his Pipeline office recently, Hon. Darboe pointed out that election outcomes should not be determined by tribal considerations, but must be products of sound judgement on the country’s future.
“The improvement of one’s welfare and wellbeing should supersede all other considerations when it comes to voting,” the UDP leader advised compatriots when this medium asked him about claims that tribal politics has seeped into the country’s body-politics.
He added: “And improved welfare includes improved health, education, communication and strong dalasi, and these are things that one needs to consider during voting,” he added.
Darboe explained that the government’s policy decisions and laws formulated by legislators affect all Gambians, irrespective of ethnic background. He pointed out that elected officials serve all tribes of the land.
“True, they are elected on party tickets but they are not in the office for parties. The same thing applies to the President. As President, you are at the State House for all. Other parties will be in the political space but that doesn’t mean that you should be partisan. That’s why when the President is taking the oath of office, he would say “I will perform the functions of the President without fear or favour, ill-will or affection”. He represents all the tribes,” he emphasised.
