Halifa Sallah, the leader of People’s Democratic Organisation for Independence and Socialism (PDOIS), has urged Gambians to vote for him in next week’s presidential election to see the fortunes of the country change in five years.

Sallah, who has confirmed that the December 4 presidential election is his last attempt at seeking the presidency, told a rally in Brikama Jamisa on Saturday that The Gambia is at crossroads and the two choices facing the people are transformative development or perennial poverty.

He said: “Gambia is at an intersection. One of the roads is the road of comfort and then you have the other road which is the road lack of awareness and poverty. 

“If you’re ready, we can walk the former road and make The Gambia an example in the world in five years. But if you choose the road of poverty and vileness, we will not go there, we will forge a different history.”

Sallah added: “You [the voters] should know that it’s you who own The Gambia and its sovereignty. Do not allow to be made slaves. Your vote is not owned by any tribe, your vote is not own by any kabilo, your vote is not owned by any religion.”

The veteran politician will face incumbent President Adama Barrow and other heavyweight political leaders in next week’s hotly contested presidential election.