By Kemo Kanyi
The leader of the opposition Gambia Democratic Congress (GDC), Mamma Kandeh, has said his party is best positioned to win the country’s 2026 presidential election.
Speaking on Saturday at a party congress in Kiti Village, Kandeh said the GDC distinguishes itself through transparency and what he described as a consistent record of public service.
“Our chances of winning the upcoming presidential election are the strongest. No party has a better chance than us,” he declared.
He dismissed findings of a recent survey conducted by the Centre for Policy, Research and Strategic Studies (CepRASS), which reportedly placed the GDC at one percent support, describing the figure as unacceptable.
Kandeh urged party supporters to intensify grassroots mobilisation and promote the GDC’s policy agenda ahead of the polls.
He said a GDC-led government would prioritise agriculture and work to reduce the country’s dependence on imported food commodities.
On possible opposition cooperation ahead of the 2026 election, Kandeh said consultations were ongoing, expressing optimism that a united front could still be achieved.
The GDC leader also appealed to President Adama Barrow to caution his supporters against insulting political opponents, warning that such rhetoric could heighten political tensions.
He stressed that while political criticism is part of democratic engagement, personal attacks should be avoided.
“If you’re criticizing me as a politician, you have the right,” he said. “But you don’t have the right to insult my mother or my father.”
Kandeh further warned that continued verbal attacks could trigger retaliation from his supporters, although he said he had not instructed anyone to engage in insults.
He reiterated that his party would remain open to criticism but would not tolerate personal abuse.
Referencing remarks he attributed to President Barrow, Kandeh rejected any suggestion that he or his supporters should be intimidated, insisting that his party would remain firm while respecting democratic norms.
“I swear, starting from him, the president, there is no human being whom we are going to be afraid of,” he said.
He added that politics should focus on national unity and development rather than hostility, urging all parties to promote peace ahead of the elections.
Kandeh called on supporters to intensify their mobilisation efforts, saying electoral victory depends on sustained public engagement.
“All the work we have done for five years is for one day — election day,” he said. “That day is not a day to joke.”
He concluded that the GDC would avoid initiating confrontations but would respond if provoked.