Essa Mbye Faal, leader of APP-Sobeyaa, has urged voters in Mamuda to reject attempts by politicians to influence their ballots with cash, as he promised to improve basic services in the community if elected president.

Addressing a women’s group in Mamuda, Faal said voters should look beyond short-term financial offers and carefully assess what each presidential candidate can deliver for the country.

He warned that political operatives could approach voters ahead of the December 5 presidential election with offers of D200 or D500 in exchange for their support.

Faal asked the women whether they would sell their votes for such payments, to which they responded in the negative.

“If you allow them to deceive you for the third time… Do not allow it,” Faal told the gathering.

“December 5, vote for me to win.”
The APP-Sobeyaa leader argued that the decision voters make at the ballot box could determine whether communities such as Mamuda gain better access to essential services.

He pledged that his administration would prioritise roads, reliable electricity, clean water, health facilities and schools, particularly in communities he described as underserved.

Faal also used the meeting to highlight the rising cost of living, asking the women whether they were satisfied with the country’s current economic situation.

He cited the price of cooking oil as an example, saying a cup that he recalled costing around D7 at the time of the last election had risen to about D25.

The opposition leader said the increase illustrated the economic pressure facing ordinary households and strengthened the case for voters to consider a change in leadership.

But Faal also challenged voters not to judge candidates solely on what they promise during the campaign.

He urged the women to examine the records of all presidential contenders and ask what they have already achieved before deciding who deserves their votes.

According to Faal, campaign promises would naturally increase as December approaches, but voters should demand evidence of previous performance.

He said political leaders should be judged by their ability to deliver tangible improvements rather than their ability to make attractive promises during election campaigns.

With the presidential election scheduled for December 5, Faal is seeking to position APP-Sobeyaa as an alternative to the established political parties.

His appeal in Mamuda centred on two key issues likely to shape the campaign: the rising cost of living and the integrity of the electoral process.

Faal told residents that their votes should not be exchanged for short-term financial benefits, but used to choose the leadership they believe can deliver lasting development.

By Adama Makasuba