Africa-Press – Gambia. President Adama Barrow on Tuesday urged residents of the Upper River Region to re-elect his administration in the Dec. 5, 2026, presidential election, arguing that continued development across the country depends on his remaining in office.
Speaking at the inauguration of an electricity access project in Kumbijah village, Mr. Barrow told community members that while more than 20 candidates are expected to contest the presidency, a vote for his government would ensure the continuation — and expansion — of ongoing infrastructure projects.
“If you want development to continue, get your voter’s card and vote for my government,” he said, promising that a new term would bring greater progress between 2027 and 2031 than during his current tenure.
Mr. Barrow cited his experience in office as a key advantage. “I have got a solid reason for saying this,” he told the gathering. “I have been doing this work for a while now, and I have gained experience, knowledge, and tactics.”
In remarks that appeared to dismiss his political rivals, the president described other aspirants as his “apprentices,” adding that leadership required more than ambition. He told residents that their role was to cast their ballots, leaving governance to him.
“The current developments are just the start,” he said. “The real development has not happened yet. We want the entire Gambia to have access to electricity, water, schools, and roads. What has never happened in this country is what we are going to do.”
Mr. Barrow also pledged that, if re-elected, his administration would embark on multi-level road construction projects, saying the country had already made significant advances and that sustaining that progress would depend on the outcome of the election.
The president is currently touring communities nationwide to inaugurate electricity access projects, part of a broader government effort to achieve universal access to power by the end of 2026 — four years ahead of the global 2030 target.
