United Democratic Party (UDP) leader Ousainu Darboe has urged voters in Madina Angalleh, Kiang Central, to protect their voter cards and resist attempts to influence their choices with cash and household gifts ahead of the December 5 presidential election.

Addressing residents during a visit on Thursday, Darboe warned that accepting money in exchange for votes could leave voters facing another five years of hardship under President Adama Barrow’s leadership.

“Don’t allow someone to come here, give you D1,000 and take your vote while you remain in hardship for five years,” he said.

The UDP leader urged residents not to allow items such as plates and cooking pots to determine their political choices, stressing that their votes would shape the country’s leadership.

“Keep your vote and don’t allow it to be destroyed,” Darboe said.

He also called on the people of Madina Angalleh to turn out on election day, saying their participation would help determine who becomes president, as well as their representatives in the National Assembly and local government.

Darboe further reminded residents of Kiang Central’s voting history, saying the area had consistently supported former President Yahya Jammeh between 1996 and 2016, while the UDP had continued asking voters to give it a chance.

“You know what they did for you. If they had done something good for you, you know it,” he said.

He challenged residents to reflect on their experiences and decide whether they wanted a change in government, arguing that the outcome of the election rested with the electorate.

Darboe also said the support of Madina Angalleh voters would be significant to anyone seeking the presidency.

“Anyone in The Gambia who is a politician and wants to be a presidential candidate, that ambition will not be fulfilled if the people of Madina Angalleh do not join you,” he said.

By Adama Makasuba