Halifa Sallah has urged Gambian voters to demand to see the manifestos of presidential candidates as he embarks on campaign ahead of the December polls.

Sallah, the presidential candidate of People’s Democratic Organisation for Independent and Socialism (PDOIS), said voters need to know the candidates policies before casting their ballots.

“The difference between us and the western countries is the type of leadership that they allow to govern them. They are not more intelligent than us and we can have leadership that is better than theirs if we put our house in order,” Sallah told a rally in Latrikunda German. 

He said the country needs a system change in order for the many developmental problems to be solved.

Sallah said previous administrations have not govern the country well and have focused resources in the Greater Banjul Area to the detriment of the regions where the bulk of the Gambian people reside. 

He stated that country’s resources should be used for the benefit of all. 

“We should ensure that resources are distributed to the regions because the state coffer is meant to help Gambians in the wards and the villages. 

“If your community comes and says this is what we want to do but this is what is holding us back then we can take some money from the coffer and support that community. 

“If this was how The Gambia was governed for the past 56 years, then tell me how come your communities and wards look like they are today?

Sallah added: “This is why we are calling for system change and that’s what PDOIS is telling you to listen to. We haven’t heard any party or independent candidate who faced you and showed you how they want to eradicate poverty in your regions. 

“And if they come to you, this is what you should ask them. If what PDOIS is saying is what they are repeating then you tell them to go and join PDOIS.”

Reporting by Adama Makasuba