More Candidates Join KMC Ward Races

As the KMC ward election is set for April 12, more candidates have filed their nomination papers under a political party banner or as a non-partisan politician. The country’s new democratic dispensation has brought about positive changes, providing more opportunities for Gambians to exercise their civic and political liberties.

“I’ve been chosen by my community to run for councilorship under PPP ticket,” the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) candidate for Talinding South Abdoulie Sanyang told reporters shortly after filing his nomination papers at the IEC office.

Over these past days, the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) offices, located along Kairaba Avenue, have become the epicenter of political activities as candidates and their supporters stormed the area.

PPP’s Abdoulie Sanyang, who described himself as a servant of the prople, expressed his readiness to continue on the same path. “Being the servant of the people is still what I want to endavour,” he added.

He said tackling the critical issue of refuse management will be one of his top priorities if he gets elected.

In a similar vein, Isidore Jatta of Manjai Kunda ward said his primary objectives would be to make sure that their roads are good, and put kids and the youths at the centre stage in combating unemployment.

The political organisation that led Gambia to independence has put up 8 candidates in the upcoming KMC Ward election. Isodore Jatta (Manjai), Alieu Mawdoh Sallah (London Corner), Abdoulie Prerra (Latrikunda Yirriganya), Samba Cham (Talinding North), Mustapha Touray (Serrekunda Bartez), Seedy Mbenga (Bundung Borehole), and Pa Sainey Jallow (Fajikunda). They all vowed to make a difference if they emerge victorious on April 12.

As the sole Gambia Moral Congress (GMC) candidate running in the KMC Ward elections, Musa Sisoho told reporters that he intends to spearhead an inclusive programme geared towards bringing Gambians together.

“I am ready to work with community members to bring about development,” Sisoho said.

The 21-year old GMC Talinding North candidate said he is optimistic about his ability to create a new synergy when engaging on issues affecting the community.

Alhaji Aboubacarr Sillah of People’s Democratic Organisation for Independence and Socialism (PDOIS), who is vying for councilorship for 6 Junction ward, said lack of transparency has always been a major issue at Council level.

“There is an urgent need for change,” Alhaji Mr. Sillah voiced out.

As one of the seven candidates running on the PDOIS ticket in the KMC, Sillah said his goal is to make change a reality in the area.

PDOIS Sheriff Mustapha Faal, a candidate for Latrikunda Yirriganya acknowledged being confronted with huge challenges. But he expressed his resolve to overcome any challenge his community is faced with.

However, Alhaji Alpha M.S Jallow, an independent candidate contesting for Old Jeshwang ward, made it clear that his no affinity with political parties compelled him to run under an independent ticket.

While outlining his manifesto, he said infrastructure and human empowerment would top his priorities.

The National Reconciliation Party (NRP), Gambia Democratic Congress (GDC) and the former governing party, the Alliance for Patriotic Reorientation and Construction (APRC) have fielded in candidates in various wards. We will come up with more details in our subsequent publications.

Ends