Gambiaj.com – (BANJUL, THE GAMBIA) – President Adama Barrow has warned opposition parties against seeking political power outside the democratic process, insisting that the ballot box remains the only legitimate route to leadership in The Gambia ahead of the December 5, 2026, presidential election.
Barrow assured Gambians that the election would be peaceful, transparent, and credible, saying the international community would be able to assess the integrity of the process.
“I want to assure Gambians that the election will take place peacefully. I will do everything I can to ensure that the election takes place peacefully. We will also make sure it is transparent so that the whole world can testify that it was a transparent election,” he said.
He expressed confidence that the results would receive international recognition, arguing that Gambians wanted to strengthen democracy and establish a solid foundation for democratic governance.
“The results of the election will be respected by the whole world because we know that Gambians want to build democracy and lay a strong foundation for it,” Barrow said. He added that the country wanted to develop a democracy stronger than those across Africa.
The President urged opposition parties to focus on campaigning rather than confrontation, maintaining that political differences should be resolved through elections.
“If two people get into a fight, if you are ready to fight but I am not, no matter how much you carry on, you will eventually calm down. There is one piece of advice I give them: go and campaign. Only campaigning will solve your problem,” he said.
Barrow reinforced his position with a warning that there was no alternative route to political power outside the established democratic process.
“The window, the back way, and the back door are all closed in The Gambia. Whoever wants to enter must go through one door, the front door. That is the only way to get in,” he said.
He also called on Gambians to protect the country’s peace and stability as political activities intensify, stressing that citizens shared a responsibility to safeguard the nation’s future.
“We have no other country; we only have The Gambia. Since The Gambia is all we have, we must do everything possible to protect it, maintain peace and stability, and strengthen our democracy,” he said.
The President urged opposition supporters to encourage their families to maintain peace during the election period.
Beyond the political message, Barrow highlighted development projects in the West Coast Region, saying the infrastructure initiatives outlined by Works Minister Ebrima Sillah represented only part of the government’s broader development agenda.
He cited road projects linking Yundum towards Busumbala and the OIC Highway, arguing that the infrastructure would benefit Gambians regardless of their political affiliations.
Barrow’s remarks followed concerns raised by the Alkalo of Bijilo, who said it was the first time a sitting president had held a meeting in the community. The President welcomed the turnout and the contributions made during the gathering.
On the unfinished Bijilo hospital, Barrow said the Ministry of Health had assessed more than 20 incomplete health facilities across the country. He said the government had submitted a consolidated project proposal to the Chinese government under a grant arrangement, with the Bijilo hospital expected to be among the facilities considered.
He also acknowledged concerns about an unfinished skills center in the community, saying he would engage the Minister of Education to explore possible solutions.
Barrow said the government would continue addressing community needs as resources and time permitted, pointing to ongoing electricity and road projects as part of its response to public concerns.
The President concluded by expressing confidence in his contest with opposition leader Ousainou Darboe, whom he described as his political father. Barrow said he intended to retire Darboe politically this year, setting the stage for a contest between the two in the December 5 presidential election.
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