Gambian Opposition Leader Urges Citizens to Vote for Change in 2026 Presidential Election
Lawyer A.N.M. Ousainou Darboe, Secretary General and leader of the United Democratic Party (UDP), has called on Gambians to make a decisive choice in the upcoming December 2026 presidential election. Darboe, who is currently on a nationwide tour, emphasized that it is time for Gambians to vote for the UDP to bring about effective governance and address their needs.
Speaking at a joint meeting in Basse, Upper River Region, Darboe assured supporters that a UDP government would provide a team of hydraulic engineers to work on the Basse high-rise, among other development projects. He also promised that his government would introduce sugarcane production in parts of the region, creating opportunities for local consumption and export.
The meeting, which brought together UDP militants from various districts, provided a platform for citizens to raise concerns about national issues, including healthcare, food security, and youth empowerment. Darboe listened to the concerns and pledged to address them if elected president. He emphasized that Gambians will witness effective governance within two to three years of his first term in office.
Darboe’s nationwide tour, which began last Thursday, aims to engage communities directly and share the party’s vision for a democratic, prosperous, and united Gambia. The tour has taken him to various regions, where he has met with party supporters, national assembly members, and regional executives.
In a separate meeting in Ballanghar-Kerr Nderr village, Central River Region, Darboe welcomed newly defected supporters to the party and appealed to them to continue rallying behind him for effective change in governance. He also emphasized the need to prioritize agriculture and support Gambian farmers, citing the shortage and high cost of cement and food commodities as a huge burden on the poor.
The UDP leader has also inaugurated a party political bureau in Sansu-Darsilameh, Upper River Region, as part of his ongoing tour. The tour is expected to continue in the coming days, with Darboe scheduled to visit Nyakoi-Kerewan and Bansang.
As the 2026 presidential election approaches, Darboe’s message of change and effective governance is resonating with many Gambians. With his party’s commitment to engaging communities and addressing their concerns, the UDP is poised to be a major contender in the upcoming election.
