President Adama Barrow has framed the December 5 presidential election as a choice between continuing his administration’s development programme and starting afresh under new leadership.
Barrow made the remarks as he continued his annual Meet-the-People Tour, a constitutionally mandated nationwide exercise during which the president meets communities and discusses their development concerns.
The president began this year’s tour on October 1.
Addressing residents of Bakadaji in the Upper River Region, Barrow said voters would have to decide whether to retain his administration or opt for new leadership in December.
“The election is about two things: continuity or starting afresh, going forward or backward,” he said.
Barrow urged voters who want continuity to support his candidacy, while saying those seeking a different direction could choose another candidate.
He linked his re-election appeal to ongoing development projects, particularly the expansion of electricity and road infrastructure in rural communities.
“We have already studied all communities that are yet to be connected to electricity,” Barrow said. “The projects have been tendered, contractors secured, and work is about to start. You will see work equipment on the ground before the election.”
The president also urged residents not to be swayed by campaign promises from his political opponents.
Using a food analogy, Barrow said someone who had already provided “breakfast and lunch” should be trusted when promising to provide “dinner.”
He also defended the quality and durability of infrastructure projects undertaken by his administration, saying bridges constructed during his tenure were designed to last for generations.
“Anything you want from this government, you can get it,” he said. “I know that you cannot be fooled and cannot be bought.”
Barrow repeated the continuity message during a stop in Jawo Kunda, also in the Upper River Region, again presenting the election as a choice between moving forward and going backward.
He urged voters who believe the country is making progress under his administration to give him another term.