The newly elected leader of the All People’s Party has pledged his government will exempt Gambian farmers from paying taxes.

Dr Ebrima Jagne, 61, said: “If APP government comes by the grace of God in three years, we will put into place [policies were] farmers wouldn’t pay tax anymore. 

“The poor Gambians farmers wouldn’t pay tax – whether it is council tax or yard tax, they will be exempted from paying taxes.”

Dr Jaigne, also known as Bai Biran, added: “We are going to eradicate that system because those struggles to get what they will eat and you burden them by paying huge amounts of tax. Let’s balance the tax system justly.”

The doctor-turned politician continued: “I challenge any political leader who wants to contest in 2021 to vow to allocate half of his salary if he wins the election. I challenge any of them to do that.”

Dr Jagne replaced Gumbo Ali Touray in 2020, after Mr Touray stepped down as leader of the party, paving way for the election of Dr Ebrahim Jagne as leader and secretary general.

Mr Touray is now selected to be the party’s national president.

Reporting by Adama Makasuba