Talib Ahmed Bensouda, the mayor of Kanifing Municipal Council (KMC) and the UDP’s chairman of the campaign and organising committee, has said the United Democratic Party’s victory in Kiang Masembeh ward by-election serves as a big blow to the ruling National People’s Party (NPP), after they have been alleged to have spent six million dalasis on the campaign.
Mayor Bensouda was speaking to the media just after the election. He said the election was part of the winning plan of the ruling party ahead of the 2026 presidential elections, which was why they “spent huge amount of money just to win” it.
“As United Democratic Party (UDP), we have used tactical approach in this election and we are saying things that are affecting the people of Masembeh and the government of President Adama Barrow is not doing anything to solve those issues,” he stated.
He further indicated that the funds the government spent to celebrate the 60th Independence anniversary should have been used to help the people of Masembeh ward by providing them with basic social amenities such as hospital, good roads and portable drinking water.
He emphasised that the Barrow administration should have considered the country’s economy and the living conditions of the Gambian people before spending “over 100 million dalasis” just for celebrations.
The independence anniversary celebrations, he perceived, would have been done in low key with small amount of funds spent on it.
According to him, the election victory was a collective responsibility from all the UDP executives and party militants from home and abroad.
Lawyer Ousainu Darboe, Secretary General and party leader of the UDP, has thanked the people of Kiang Masembeh ward for their foresight in the just concluded by-election for Masembeh ward at the Mansakonko Area Council.
He said the people of Kiang are strong supporters of UDP, and “this election victory is a clear testimony” to the Party’s victory come the 2026 presidential elections.
He advised party members and militants to remain vigilant and unified as one people for the well-being of Gambians and the betterment of the country.
