Africa-Press – Gambia. Lamin Jawara, a native of Kaur Janneh Kunda and aspirant for the United Democratic Party’s (UDP) flag bearer position, has expressed confidence in the party’s vetting process and reiterated his belief that the UDP represents the future of The Gambia.
Speaking to the media following his interview with the party’s vetting committee, Jawara said his decision to contest the flagbearer position is driven by national interest. He argued that The Gambia is facing serious challenges, which require visionary leadership to overcome.
“The reason I am seeking the UDP flag bearer position is because it is in the interest of the country, because we all know the suffering of the country, so the UDP needs someone who has vision to take the country to the next level. Because we all know that the UDP is the future of the country, the youth need jobs; they are not employed, and our women go to the hospital, and they do not have proper health care,” he said.
Jawara also highlighted the need to strengthen the agriculture sector, stressing that the majority of Gambians rely on farming for survival.
“The agriculture sector is not working, and 65 percent of Gambians are all farmers, and we need to improve our agricultural sector. And we need to empower our women farmers and create laws that will give land to farmers; that is why I want to stand,” he said.
On the vetting process, Jawara expressed satisfaction, describing it as fair and transparent.
“I answered all their questions, and I am hopeful that they will do the right thing, and we did not see anything that would be discriminatory among the candidates, and I am satisfied,” he said.
He emphasized that his ambition is not motivated by personal gain but by a desire to see the country progress. Jawara pledged to fully support whichever candidate emerges as the party’s flagbearer.
“I did not join the UDP for a position; I joined the party to take the country forward because the country is not on the right track. When they select one candidate, I think we should put our differences aside, including supporters, to make sure that we can campaign for that person so that we can win, because if we don’t do that, it will affect the UDP and the citizens,” he said.
Commenting on reported internal disputes within the party, Jawara urged members to remain patient and focused.
“I know the party is big, and sometimes that comes with a lot of noise, but we should stop the talking, and we should know what to say because sometimes words, I personally think, nothing hurts me in politics,” He Said.
He added, “What they are saying should not anger anybody to a point that you would want to leave the party because of insults or negative comments and other things. When you want to lead, it comes with those things, but now it depends on your integrity to be patient and be able to lead the people,” He Said.
Jawara concluded by calling on Gambians to rally behind the UDP in the 2026 elections, insisting that the party offers the best hope for meaningful change.
“I want to tell Gambians that UDP belongs to all of us, and I want to tell you that I am here to work for the interest of the country. UDP is a party of principles, and let’s try to vote for a UDP government this year because after 2026, if you vote for anybody apart from a UDP candidate, know that we have failed and our sufferings will continue,” He Said.
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