Joe Penney/Reuters
By
Alpha Jallow
Campaigning in the run up to the Presidential race in Gambia started on Wednesday. Two political parties, one a coalition of seven political parties are challenging incumbent President Yahya Jammeh who is running for his fifth term.
According to the Independent Electoral Commission, all contesting political parties have only until 1st December to crisscross the country to canvass for votes.
Incumbent president Yahya Jammeh, who started his campaign in the countryside, says he will continue to bring further development to the door step of Gambians.
He further said that if elected for a fifth term he will provide free education and health care service to Gambians by 2018.
President Jammeh however says that the security of the country will not be compromised. He also warned that any person who intends to ignite tribal sentiments in the country will face the full force of the law.
Incumbent President Jammeh delved at length on his roadmap to further develop the West African state if elected for a fifth term.
The flag bearer of the Gambia Democratic party Mamma Kandeh, who started his campaign in the Serrekunda area, says he will provide better opportunities to Gambian youths but also empower women. He also says he will unite Gambians because without unity there cannot be any tangible development.
Mr.Kandeh said he will also improve the diplomatic relations of the Gambia, in addition to calling his supporters to desist from any form of violence during the campaign period and during the polls.
The opposition coalition under the flag bearer of Adama Barrow said he will bring good governance, promote democratic values and respect the rights of Gambians.
He also said if elected his first task will be to release all political prisoners. He said this is the only opportune moment for Gambians to effect a change of Government through the ballot box.
Mr. Barrow also deployed the lack of hope for Gambian youths which according to him, is the reason why they have opted for what he referred to as the ‘Back way syndrome’ to Europe in search of greener pastures.
A coalition government under his leadership will address and give more and better opportunities to the youths.
So far since campaigning started on Wednesday, there have been no reports of violence from any party militants.
President Yahya Jammeh, who came to power in a bloodless coup, has been running the west country for twenty two years and has brought massive development to the country including building roads, bridges, hospital, schools and the first university of the Gambia.
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