By Binta Jaiteh
The leader and Secretary General of the Golden Era Party (GEP), Saikou Saho has called on Gambians to unite and vote for political change ahead of the 2026 presidential election.
Speaking at a political rally in Kiang Jiffarong, Saho criticized the government of President Adama Barrow, urging citizens to carefully consider their choices when they go to the polls.
“The elections are approaching. They will come and promise you without fulfilling. Don’t listen to their propaganda. Focus on your work and wait for the voting day,” he told supporters.
Saho said GEP joined forces with the United Democratic Party (UDP) based on what he described as a shared commitment to improving the welfare of Gambians and protecting citizens’ fundamental rights.
He said the decision was influenced by his party’s assessment of UDP leader Ousainou Darboe’s leadership qualities and was not based on tribal considerations or personal interests.
According to Saho, young people, market vendors, farmers and business communities continue to face economic difficulties due to rising living costs.
“For years, the people continue to endure hardships. When shall this end?” he asked.
The GEP leader accused the government of failing to adequately address citizens’ needs after several years in office and urged voters not to trade their votes for short-term benefits.
He said the 2026 elections would provide an opportunity for Gambians to determine the country’s future and called on voters to make informed decisions.
Saho also argued that the UDP remained one of the country’s largest political parties and that the alliance with GEP could contribute to changes in governance.
He criticized the government over youth unemployment, economic challenges and increasing reliance on external borrowing, saying the country needed a new direction.
“We are ready to surrender to the Gambian people. Enough is enough. We need change and Gambians should decide in the upcoming elections,” he said.