Elders and political bigwigs in the West Coast Region (WCR) Tuesday at State House renewed their loyalty to the Gambian leader and pledged nothing less than 98% of votes for the ruling Alliance for Patriotic Re-orientation and Construction (APRC) in the region in the forthcoming presidential election.

The high-powered delegation, which was led by Governor Lamin Sanneh, included the region’s Council of Elders, APRC regional executive committee, women and youth representatives, as well as lawmakers from WCR. 

The delegation was accompanied to the presidency by the mayor of the Kanifing Municipal Council (KMC) and APRC national mobiliser, Yankuba Colley. Like the URR delegation, the WCR delegation’s move was not only to reassure the Gambian leader of the region’s undivided loyalty to the ruling party in the forthcoming election, but to also seek assistance in the area of mobility with a view to boosting their mobilisation efforts at the grassroots.

The interface also provided the opportunity for the politicians to highlight important issues such as voter apathy, which was a hallmark of previous elections, and what efforts should be deployed to address such a situation in the WCR.  

Speaking at the meeting, which was also attended by Cabinet ministers, President Jammeh thanked the people of WCR, which is also his home region, expressing delight at their move. The Gambian leader reiterated that the forthcoming November Presidential Election will be a ballot in which the citizens choose the path to progress and continuous development or the path to retrogression. 

He reminded the party militants in the region about the stiff competition over which region will poll the highest percentage for the ruling party in the forthcoming election.
While acknowledging that WCR has the highest voter population among the regions in the country, the Gambian leader challenged them to be steadfast and ensure that they emerge as the best region in the competition.

Reiterating his earlier statement that he will not campaign for the forthcoming election, President Jammeh promised to provide materials for the people of WCR as requested during the meeting. 

Speaking earlier, the vice president and minister of Women’s Affairs, Her Excellency Aja Dr Isatou Njie-Saidy highlighted the numerous infrastructural developments in all sectors recorded by the Jammeh Administration since the advent of the 1994 Revolution. 

The vice president lauded the recent voter registration exercise, which she described as impressive. She disclosed that over 800,000 Gambians have registered for this year’s election compared to previous years. She then stressed the need for all hands to be on deck towards ensuring that people turn out in their numbers to vote en-mass for the ruling party.

The VP joined President Jammeh in urging the people of WCR to be steadfast in their mobilisation for the upcoming election, reminding stakeholders in the region that other administrative regions are ready to keenly compete to record the highest percentage.

Dr Njie-Saidy further used the platform to urge the youths not to sit idly by and wallow in self-inflicted poverty, further urging them to work and overcome such a situation. While acknowledging the efforts of some youths, Dr Njie-Saidy stressed that it is incumbent on those lagging behind to take a cue from the Gambian leader and heed his calls for all to work towards the country’s development.

Also speaking at the occasion, the minister of Trade, Integration and Employment, Abdou Kolley also opined that the voter registration exercise was satisfactory, while pointing out to the WCR party militants that their 98% pledge for the Gambian leader will [only] be possible if they turn out in their numbers to vote just as they did during the voter registration. 

Minister Kolly, WCR APRC liaison officer stressed that the onus lies on the party members in the region to sensitise their people to turn out and vote so as to achieve any percentage they want for the ruling party in the region.

The Trade minister also urged the citizens to utilise the numerous projects executed by the Jammeh administration for their own benefit, while decrying the “self-imposed poverty” in the country.

Speaking earlier, the WCR APRC regional chairman, Jammeh KK Bojang, while analysing the political situation in the WCR, assured the president of a 98% vote in the region, which he also described as a “no go area” for the opposition. 

However, the veteran politician raised eyebrows on voter apathy in the region, as well as the “over confidence” syndrome prevalent among some APRC militants who he said are always optimistic President Jammeh will be victorious whether or not they cast their votes for him during balloting. 

He told the meeting that this is what brings about voter apathy, while urging the regional committee members to tighten their belts and ensure that they address such issues.

Bojang also highlighted the issue of selection based on people’s choice, and urged the need for anyone chosen at the grassroots level to be endorsed accordingly at the top level. 

He noted that selections [sometimes] create divisions, leading to independent candidacy. He concluded by appealing for the provision of mobility for the party’s regional committee, something he said has been a constraint. 

The paramount chief, Alhaji Demba Sanyang; Governor Lamin Sanneh; Sifaye Hydara; the NAM for Foni Jarrol, Honourable Borry Colley; and Jammeh Touray all hailed President Jammeh’s achievements as well as his Ramadan gift to Muslims. They further commended him for the reduction in the price of basic food commodities like cooking oil, meat, bread and so on. 

They also promised 98% votes for the ruling party in the upcoming election. The meeting was moderated by Mayor Yankuba Colley.