The opposition Gambia First Coalition led by UDP on Saturday launched its manifesto dubbed "The Gambia We Want" ahead of the December 5 election, pledging four missions to rescue the country through economic, constitutional, security and civil service reforms.
Presidential candidate Lawyer Ousainu Darboe said the agenda anchored on "One Term, One Vision, One Mission, National Renewal" will in the first 100 days review the 2027 budget to cut waste, reduce Office of the President's budget and take 20 per cent pay cut, while within first year introducing a new draft constitution in line with 2020 Draft, reforming security services to be professional and neutral, and promoting merit-based civil service.
Addressing supporters, Darboe said Gambians share hope for dignity and better future for their children but have been asked to remain patient while prices rise, electricity becomes expensive and unreliable, and youth search for jobs.
"The Gambian people deserve more than promises. They deserve a government that works, a leader who listens, and a future they can believe in," he said.
He framed mission as "One Term. One Vision. One Mission. National Renewal," offering to serve one five-year term.
Darboe said in first 100 days he would pursue low-hanging fruit including reduction of Office of President budget and 20 per cent pay cut.
"Leadership must begin with sacrifice. We cannot ask a rice seller in Serekunda, a farmer in Sami, or struggling family in Basse to make sacrifices while those holding privileged positions live in opulence," he said.
On economic renewal, first mission, Darboe said whether market woman in Brikama, gardener in Bakau, entrepreneur in Kanifing, farmer in Central River or fisherman along coast, every citizen deserves economy rewarding hard work. Within 100 days, government will review 2027 budget and pursue parliamentary revisions to eliminate waste.
He pledged investment in irrigation, mechanisation, food processing and affordable financing for women farmers, opportunities for youth, strengthening fisheries, tourism and local production to reduce import dependence. "Our guiding principle is simple; grow our economy faster than our debt and strengthen our dalasi," he said.
Second mission is constitutional renewal. Within first year, administration will introduce new draft constitution in line with 2020 Draft for adoption through proper process, strengthen rule of law and fundamental freedoms.
"The presidency must be an institution of service, not a throne of privilege. No president should be above Constitution, and no citizen above law," he said.
Third mission is security reform. Security services must be professional, equipped, accountable and neutral, protecting Gambians and upholding Constitution, not serving party interests.
Fourth mission is civil service reform, promoting merit-based recruitment, professional development and accountability.
Darboe also pledged to improve healthcare, education, electricity and water, strengthen local councils so development reaches every region beyond Greater Banjul, and engage diaspora.
He described manifesto as social contract, promising performance monitoring, progress reports and accountability.
"This is not about Ousainu Darboe or Adama Barrow or replacing one privileged group with another. It is about restoring ownership of government to the people," he said.
