Gambian alliance launches manifesto for inclusive government
By the AFREEQUE newsroom, based on Kerr Fatou
The alliance led by Gambia’s United Democratic Party has presented a joint manifesto promising inclusive, transparent and democratic government. Bolong Sonko, Chief of Staff of Gambia For All, says partner parties jointly developed their priorities and legislative programme, according to Kerr Fatou.
The Gambian coalition led by the United Democratic Party (UDP) has launched a joint manifesto outlining its plans for an inclusive government ahead of the December elections. Bolong Sonko, Chief of Staff of Gambia For All (GFA), said leaders from all allied parties had taken part in preparing it, at the document’s launch at the Paradise Suites Hotel.
The manifesto brings together proposals from member parties and is intended to serve as a roadmap for turning campaign promises into laws and budget allocations, Bolong Sonko said. He added that it would enable citizens, the media and opposition parties to hold future elected officials to account, Kerr Fatou reports.
The coalition rejects the political exploitation of ethnic differences and says it wants to defend a state founded on the rule of law. Bolong Sonko described Gambia’s ethnic diversity as a strength and accused officials who exploit it of seeking electoral advantage, according to Kerr Fatou.
The launch follows the consolidation of the opposition alliance around the UDP. The party signed an agreement with Anda Jubbanti Rewmi on 20 September, before the coalition pledged on 29 October to limit the presidential term to five years in its political programme for the Gambian presidential election.
