Expectations high as Gambians await presidential poll

A few days to Gambia’s presidential election on December 1, considerable calm now reigns in the streets of Banjul.

The calm comes after a series of protesters were violently dispersed by security forces following a tensed relationship with the opposition.

Across the country, calls for peace have intensified.

“We beg God to bring us peace. But we want Yahya Jammeh to stay in power because he helps women. The small commerce we are engaged in, helps us to be able to send our children to school,” one of Jammeh’s supporter, Awa Jane said.

Another citizen who works in the tourism sector said: “ I pray to God for peace. I pray for it day and night.The question is not about who wins . We want that peace prevails.“

The electoral campaign which opened last Wednesday will last for 15 days after which nearly 900, 000 voters will vote for their new president. Some protesters had been asking for freedom and better respect of human rights.

“Your vote is your voice. So I would advise each and every Gambian who wants the progress of this country, to go out and vote for your candidate, vote for the right person that you know can make change, that can improve or move us forward,” a Gambian marketing agent, Musa Fatty said.

About 1422 polling stations will be opened in 53 electoral districts in the various administrative regions.

Three candidates are competing with outgoing president Yahya Jammeh who is running for a fifth term in office.