UTG student to contest in parliamentary election

By Aminata Ceesay Abdou M Jallow, a 24-year-old student of economics at the University of The Gambia, has revealed his intention to contest in the upcoming parliamentary election for Latrikunda Sabiji constituency. According to Jallow, his constituency members have figured their problems and are ready to make changes. In an interview with The Standard, Abdou disclosed what motivated him to run for a national assembly seat. “Parliamentary election is the most significant national election, it’s the election that structures what constitute a nation for the 5 year span. We all know certain laws were made which are quite not in line with national development but just to favour few groups. “My constituency consists of more 155 thousand people; 80 per cent of which are under 18 and 22 over 60 dependable, 22 per cent are working, 50 per cent desperately poor, 40 per cent in medium condition, 10 per cent in good condition. This indicates that I should work on youth employment strategies. But on my dialogue tour what my people want pipe bone water,” he said. Abdou’s bid to secure a seat at the national assembly came following a nationwide campaign for young people to dominate the lawmaking body. According to him, his people are in desperate need of help because the previous representatives abandoned the constituency. “My Constituency stands at a defining moment in history. We are confronted with poverty, hunger, ill health and illiteracy, and the continuing deterioration of the ecosystem on which we depend for our well-being. However, integration of environment and development concerns and greater attention to them will lead to the fulfilment of basic needs, improved living standards for all, better protected and managed ecosystems and a safer, more prosperous future.” Abdou M Jallow is a native of Abuko. He completed his senior school three years ago and was among the security detail of the coalition ahead of the December election.]]>