United Democratic Party leader Ousainu Darboe urged young Gambians to use Dec. 5 election to shape the country’s future, framing it as a choice between current government and change.
Speaking to young people, Mr. Darboe said the election represents a defining opportunity for the youth. u201cOn the 5th of December, I think you young people of The Gambia, this is your opportunity,u201d he said. u201cThe Gambia that you want, the opportunity you have, is on the 5th of December.u201d
Mr. Darboe criticized the government, accusing it of corruption, inefficiency, and failing to respond adequately to the needs of Gambians.
He pointed to challenges in the health care system, saying some patients with serious illnesses have been forced to appeal publicly for donations to seek treatment in neighboring Senegal.
u201cIf you take the wrong decision of returning to power this corrupt, inefficient government, this insensitive government, this government that is not addressing your needs,u201d he said, citing the plight of people suffering from kidney failure and other serious medical conditions.
Mr. Darboe urged young voters to support his candidacy, citing his decades-long political career as evidence of what he described as his consistency and resilience. u201cVote Ousainu Darboe,u201d he said. u201cYou know Ousainou Darboe; you know his track record, very consistent, very resilient.
He has never at any time disappointed you Gambians; he has never at any time betrayed the cause in which you believe.u201d
He also presented his candidacy as part of a transition to a younger generation of political leaders.
Mr. Darboe said a government led by the UDP would not seek to remain in power indefinitely and pledged to give younger Gambians greater opportunities to assume national leadership.
After five years under a UDP government, he said, the younger generation should be prepared to take greater responsibility for shaping the country’s future.
The appeal comes as political parties intensify their efforts to mobilize voters ahead of the Dec. 5 presidential election, with young Gambians expected to be an important constituency in the contest.
Source: Kerr Fatou Online Media House