The leader of United Democratic Party Ousainou Darboe has urged Gambians to stay away from political violence as the country goes to the polls next week. 

Darboe urged his fellow politicians to preach peace and stability to their supporters.

“I will advise you all that no matter how  l tough the race is, let us not involve in violence.

“We are battling over something, and during that battle people tend to get angry and cause violence, but let us not allow anything to cast out our anger until we cause violence. I am offering this piece of advice to everyone in the country.”

“The president [Barrow] is the one who is supposed to say this to his people but he doesn’t use to advise his people on that and never would he want to tell his people to stay away from things that will cause violence in the country. 

“People live in the same compound and support different parties and people are from the same womb and they support different parties,” he added.

“We bury each other, marry each other and even attend each other’s ceremonies. Therefore, I will advise everyone to carry on your activities as the law directs and don’t let anyone push you to fight,” he said.

Reporting by Adama Makasuba