By Haddy Touray
Gambian President Adama Barrow has pledged to extend development projects to the Kanifing Municipality, saying his administration would replicate in the area what he described as its development achievements in Banjul.
Speaking at a meeting in Manjai Kunda on Sunday during his ongoing Meet-the-People-Tour, Barrow urged voters to assess presidential candidates based on their records in public office rather than campaign promises.
He said his government remained committed to improving infrastructure and essential services, including roads, electricity, water supply and healthcare facilities.
The president called on residents who supported his administration’s development agenda to back its continuation, while acknowledging that those who disagreed with its approach were free to support other candidates.
Describing Kanifing Municipality as a politically significant area, Barrow urged residents to scrutinize the qualifications and performance records of candidates seeking public office.
“KMC is an important region; it is part of the capitals, so we expect that you are educated, aware, and know politics. So we expect if you are to elect you will scrutinize and know who does the work and who doesn’t,” he said.
Barrow also called on voters in the municipality to play an active role in the Dec. 5 presidential election, arguing that their proximity to the country’s administrative and political centre placed them in a position to influence national political discourse.
Defending his administration’s record, the president said public office should be viewed as a responsibility to improve people’s lives rather than an opportunity for personal comfort.
He argued that voters should distinguish between political promises and tangible results when evaluating candidates.
Barrow also questioned the records of political figures who had previously held positions of responsibility, saying their performance in office should help voters determine their suitability for leadership.
His remarks come as political parties intensify their activities ahead of the December presidential election, with infrastructure development, public service delivery and the records of political leaders featuring prominently in the campaign discourse.