By Lamin Cham
The leader of the United Democratic Party has challenged all presidential aspirants to make their assets declaration information public through the media.
Ousainu Darboe made this short remark after filing his nomination papers before the IEC yesterday.
“I filed my assets declaration and unfortunately, I didn’t have an extra copy to give to the media but I will do so and I challenge all candidates, including Adama Barrow to make his assets declaration information to public for scrutiny,” Mr Darboe said.
The UDP leader further said what is now ahead of his party is to take its 5-point agenda around the country so that people will vote for them to move Gambia forward.
Immediately after filing his papers, Mr Darboe was escorted by a huge crowd on a caravan tour which ended at the Independence Stadium where thousands more waited to take part in a rally that lasted late in the night.
Earlier in the day, the Gambia For All, GFA, informed the IEC of its leader Bakary Dabo’s decision to back the UDP and therefore did not need to file his papers. Similarly, the All People’s Party, APP, leader Dr Ebrima Bai Biran Jagne informed the commission of his withdrawal. The party recently signed a coalition with CA and GMC.
The last to file his papers was Mai Ahmad Fatty of GMC who, accompanied by his mother, said the day symbolised the success of the battle fought in 2016 to liberate the country and guarantee freedom and rights of the people of The Gambia.
”What lies ahead now is not about crowd competition but how to tackle the issues confronting the nation in all areas. This is the beginning of the journey to end medical tourism of our citizens in Senegal and other places and to provide the needs of our people,” Mr Fatty said.
Meanwhile, the nomination process continues today with the Gambia Democratic Congress of Mamma Kandeh, who is newly married to a faction of the APRC, and Dr Ismalia Ceesay of CA, among others expected to file their nomination papers.
