Gambiaj.com – (BANJUL, THE GAMBIA) United Democratic Party (UDP) leader Ousainou A.N.M. Darboe has described his latest presidential nomination as his final appearance before the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) as a presidential aspirant, pledging sweeping constitutional, security and economic reforms if elected on December 5.
Darboe made the remarks after submitting his nomination papers to the IEC, saying his proposed single term in office would be focused on delivering reforms that could leave a lasting legacy for the country.
“For some of us, very historic, because it will be the last time I will present my nomination paper to this august institution,” he said.
The veteran opposition leader described the November 4–14 nomination period as one of the most important moments in the country’s political history, urging Gambians and political actors to exercise restraint and avoid actions that could undermine national stability.
“I want to appeal to every Gambian that we should be reasonable, we should be rational, that we shouldn’t engage in anything that will disturb the tranquillity and stability of this country,” he said.
A Single Term For Institutional Transformation
Darboe said his proposed single term would prioritize constitutional reform, promising to present Gambians with a constitution he believes the country deserves.
He also pledged comprehensive security sector reforms, saying members of the security services should be able to take pride in their institutions and their service to the country.
On the economy, the UDP leader said his administration would lay the groundwork for The Gambia’s economic transformation, pursuing progressive policies aimed at moving the country from its least-developed status towards middle-income status.
He acknowledged that economic transformation would take time but insisted that his government would establish the foundations for sustained progress.
Darboe also promised civil service and public service reforms, with decisions affecting public servants guided by merit and fairness.
He said no public servant should feel cheated or unfairly treated, stressing that appointments and other administrative decisions should be based on merit.
Corruption At The Centre Of Economic Agenda
On corruption, Darboe said tackling the problem would be central to his administration’s economic program, arguing that the country could not achieve meaningful economic progress without confronting corruption.
He cited the UDP’s record of speaking against corruption since entering Gambian politics in 1996, referring to the party’s role in raising concerns over the alleged transfer of $3 million to Switzerland and the crude oil saga.
“Since 1996, the United Democratic Party has, through me, spoken against corruption in this country,” he said.
He added that fighting corruption was not simply a political promise but one of the party’s founding principles and a necessary condition for economic development.
“For economic take-off, we have to fight corruption. And that is what we are going to do,” he said.
The Final Chapter Of A Long Political Career
Darboe’s declaration that this would be his final presidential nomination adds significance to his latest electoral bid after nearly three decades at the helm of the UDP.
One of the longest-serving figures in Gambian opposition politics, his career has spanned successive electoral contests, participation in government and imprisonment under former president Yahya Jammeh.
His latest candidacy therefore comes with an emphasis on institutional reform and the prospect of a political legacy built around constitutional change, professional security services, a fairer public administration and the fight against corruption.
The presidential election is scheduled for December 5, 2026, with the IEC conducting nominations between November 3 and 14.
Leave a Reply