President Adama Barrow has accused some opposition politicians of looking down on people in rural Gambian communities, as he warned voters to be cautious of what he described as such opposition figures.

Speaking during his engagement with communities, President Barrow said some opposition politicians did not know or respect people living in rural areas.

“There are some opposition politicians who look down upon those in the rural Gambian communities. They don’t know you and they don’t respect you. So be careful of such opposition,” he said.

Barrow’s remarks come as political parties and alliances step up their preparations ahead of the December election, with politicians expected to intensify their campaigns across the country.

The President also presented the election as a choice between development and underdevelopment, urging voters to support his political camp.

“You have two decisions to make in December election, to either vote for development or underdevelopment,” Barrow told supporters.

He then called on voters to join his political coalition and support his bid.

“So join my Grand Coalition and vote for us,” he said.

The President’s comments put rural communities at the centre of his political message as the election approaches.

Rural voters are a key constituency for political parties, and competing political forces are expected to continue reaching out to communities across the country in the run-up to the polls.

Barrow has also used his engagements with communities to highlight government development projects and appeal directly to voters.