Ousainu Darboe unveils alliance manifesto for Gambia election

Opposition presidential candidate A. N. M. Ousainu Darboe has released a manifesto for the GFC/UDP-led Alliance ahead of the December 2026 elections. The document outlines a program for the 2027 to 2031 period, featuring several key pledges including a commitment to serve only one five-year term, a 20% pay cut for the president, and a reduction in the budget for the Office of the President.

A central pillar of the manifesto is the reintroduction of the stalled 2020 Draft Constitution within the first 100 days of a new administration. The alliance states this constitution would establish clear presidential term limits, strengthen the separation of powers, and protect fundamental human rights.

Darboe also addressed recent government actions regarding a White Paper on the Local Government Commission of Inquiry. He accused the Barrow administration of conducting a politically motivated witch hunt against opposition-led councils. He specifically noted that recommendations to bar certain officials from public office appear to target UDP leaders, such as Banjul Mayor Rohey Malick Lowe and Kanifing Municipal Council Mayor Talib Ahmed Bensouda, ahead of the upcoming nomination process.