Barrow Tells Voters: ‘Vote for Continuity or Risk Going Backwards’

Gambiaj.com – (BANJUL, The Gambia) – President Adama Barrow has urged voters to support the continuation of his administration in the December 5, 2026, presidential election, framing the poll as a choice between continuing his government’s development programs and “going backwards.”

Speaking in Passi Chally, Upper Niumi, at the opening of his 2026 Meet the People Tour, Barrow said the election would determine the direction of the country’s development.

“In the 2026 December election, there are two things involved, either going forward or going backwards,” he told residents.

He urged voters to consider whether they wanted his government’s development programs to continue.

“If you want these developments to continue, then this government should continue to rule the country,” Barrow said.

The President also criticized unnamed opposition politicians, accusing some of failing to value and respect people in the provinces.

Barrow used the gathering to highlight what he described as his administration’s achievements in the health sector, particularly in improving emergency transportation.

He said the country had about 60 ambulances when he assumed office in 2017, compared with 180 currently in service. He also pointed to the introduction of community ambulances aimed at addressing transport difficulties in hard-to-reach communities.

According to Barrow, some women in labor previously had to rely on donkey carts to reach health facilities because of poor road access.

“That is why we introduced community ambulances. We have drivers for the ambulances and toll-free numbers that you can call when you need it, and the ambulance will come up to your gate and pick you up there,” he said.

Barrow said the December election would be a major decision for Gambians over the country’s future direction.

The 2026 Meet the People Tour began on October 1 and is scheduled to run until October 19, with the President expected to hold community meetings, inspect development projects, and attend inauguration ceremonies across the country.