The selection of a flag-bearer to lead an imminent coalition to dislodge 22 years of Yahya Jammeh regime has rekindle hopes in many Gambians aspiring for change. Many of the delegates sounded jubilant at the convention last night at Kairaba Beach Hotel.
One Lamin Manneh, a delegate from Kombo Sanyang expressed honoured to take part. “As you can see am already old and my life is closing to an end. I’m voting to change the future of my children,” said the old man. Gidom Bah, delegate from CRR expressed similar sentiments. She said the time has come to bring change in the country. “I am happy with the person selected as flag-bearer. I know he will deliver.” Ms Bah said the voting process was very transparent.
Isatou Fatty, a middle-age who was not a delegate but was sitting on the floor in the crowd outside watching the programme on a big screen. She said she was happy with the results. “Women have suffered so much in this country. We want change.” Meanwhile, there are jubilation all over the hall as the flag-bearer was departing accompanied by delegates.
Adama Barrow, the recently nominated party leader of the United Democratic Party (UDP) was duly elected as the opposition coalition standard bearer to face incumbent President Yahya Jammeh in the upcoming election on December 1.
Mr Barrow was elected at the Sunday’s National Convention of Political Parties held at the Kairaba Beach Hotel.
Four candidates who were vying for the coalition leadership are Hon. Hamat NK Bah, leader of the National Reconciliation Party (NRP); Hon. Halifa Sallah of the People’s Democratic Organisation for Independence and Socialism (PDOIS); Adama Barrow of the United Democratic Party (UDP) and Lamin Bojang of the National Convention Party (NCP).
