United Democratic Party (UDP) leader ANM Ousainu Darboe has urged voters in Jarra Jalenbereh to support his party in December’s presidential election, describing the polls as a decisive moment for the country’s future.
Addressing supporters during a campaign gathering known as a “Ding kunglio”, Mr. Darboe accused President Adama Barrow’s administration of neglecting farmers and mismanaging public resources, while presenting the UDP as the party capable of addressing the country’s economic and agricultural challenges.
The opposition leader criticised the government’s handling of the groundnut sector, claiming that farmers had been left without adequate support after their produce was collected during the previous farming season.
He said rising prices of essential commodities were affecting both ordinary citizens and government officials but argued that the administration had focused more on increasing salaries for senior officials than addressing the challenges faced by farmers.
Mr. Darboe also questioned President Barrow’s pledge to increase civil servants’ salaries by 30 percent if re-elected, saying no similar commitment had been made to support farmers dealing with rising production costs and fertiliser expenses.
On campaign spending, the UDP leader claimed President Barrow would soon embark on a rural tour with a large convoy of vehicles, arguing that resources spent on such activities could instead be used to provide free fertiliser to farmers.
He cited Senegal as an example, saying President Bassirou Diomaye Faye’s administration had introduced measures, including fertiliser subsidies, to support agricultural production.
Mr. Darboe said a UDP government would pursue similar policies to strengthen farming, increase local production and reduce dependence on imported agricultural products.
The opposition leader welcomed the People’s Progressive Party (PPP)’s decision to support the UDP in the December election and expressed hope that other opposition parties would join what he described as a broader movement for political change.
However, he cautioned that opposition alliances alone would not guarantee victory, stressing that voters would ultimately determine the outcome of the election.
“Even if 10 parties rally behind the UDP, if you, the people of Jalenbereh, do not give your vote to the UDP, the country will sink,” Mr. Darboe told supporters.
He challenged residents to assess the level of development achieved in their communities after years of supporting the governing party.
On employment, Mr. Darboe said a UDP administration would prioritise creating self-employment opportunities rather than relying mainly on public sector jobs.
He proposed investing D500 million in livestock development programmes over five years, arguing that such an investment could expand domestic animal production and reduce reliance on imports.
“The progress of a nation is for its citizens to have work,” he said. “When that happens in any country, that country moves forward.”
The ruling National People’s Party (NPP) has defended its record in government, pointing to investments in infrastructure, civil service reforms and agricultural initiatives, while maintaining that external economic pressures have contributed to some of the country’s challenges.