The National Democratic Party (NDP), led by Kebba Madi Bojang, and its political partners on Wednesday launched their joint manifesto at the Kairaba Beach Hotel in Kololi, ahead of the December 5, 2026 presidential election, promising to create 150,000 jobs, improve food production and ensure access to clean drinking water if elected into office.
The manifesto was launched in partnership with the National Alliance for Accelerated Advancement (NAFAA), the Gambia Labour Party (GLP) and the National Alliance for Reconciliation and Development (NARD).
The launch comes ahead of the alliance’s scheduled nomination at the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) on Friday.
Unveiling the manifesto on behalf of the alliance, NAFAA leader Ousainou Allen outlined its proposed policies in key sectors, including employment, agriculture, healthcare, water and education.
On employment, Allen promised that the alliance would create 150,000 decent jobs for young Gambians if elected, describing youth unemployment as one of the country’s major challenges.
He said thousands of young people complete their education annually without securing employment, forcing some to seek opportunities abroad through irregular migration routes.
Allen said the alliance intends to create sustainable employment opportunities that would enable young people to earn a living and contribute to national development.
On agriculture, he pledged to strengthen local food production and reduce dependence on imported food items.
He argued that The Gambia continues to spend significant resources importing basic food products that could be produced locally, while farmers face challenges accessing agricultural inputs, equipment, markets and fair prices.
Allen said the alliance would provide farmers with the necessary support and resources to increase production and improve the country’s food security.
He also pledged to prioritise access to clean drinking water, describing it as a basic right that should be guaranteed to all citizens regardless of their location.
He expressed concern about communities that continue to depend on potentially unsafe water sources and said the alliance would address water-related health concerns, including kidney disease.
On healthcare, Allen said the alliance would focus not only on constructing hospitals and health centres but also on ensuring that existing facilities have adequate medicines, equipment and qualified medical personnel.
He said infrastructure alone would not guarantee quality healthcare if hospitals lacked essential drugs, equipment and trained doctors and nurses.
Allen further pledged to improve access to healthcare services by ensuring that medical facilities across the country are adequately equipped and staffed.
In education, he promised equal opportunities for students from Arabic and English schools, saying the alliance would work towards an inclusive education system.
He argued that students from Arabic schools should not face disadvantages in accessing further education, employment and other opportunities because of their educational background.
Allen said the alliance believes every child should have an equal opportunity to succeed, regardless of the type of school attended.
The manifesto launch brought together leaders and supporters of the participating political parties, who presented the alliance as a united platform ahead of the December presidential election.
