Ousainu Darboe, leader of The Gambia’s main opposition party, the United Democratic Party (UDP), has described the upcoming 2026 presidential election as a critical moment for the country’s future, calling it a “do or die” contest for his party.
Although the election is more than a year away, political tensions are already building. Speaking to supporters in Wellingara Tabanding on Tuesday, Darboe stated that the 2026 vote is the most important in the nation’s history. He expressed deep concern over the current state of governance under President Adama Barrow, criticizing what he sees as a failure to combat corruption.
Darboe questioned the government’s commitment to accountability, pointing to a new anti-corruption law that excludes any wrongdoing before January 2024 from investigation. He also criticized the recently proposed 2024 draft constitution, claiming it shields the president and ministers from scrutiny, while targeting National Assembly Members.
Darboe concluded by expressing gratitude for the ongoing support from UDP members and reaffirmed his belief that his party offers real solutions to the country’s challenges.
