The National Democratic Party (NDP) and its partners, including the National Alliance for Accelerated Advancement (NAFAA), the Gambia Labour Party (GLP), and the National Alliance for Reconciliation and Development (NARD), have launched their joint manifesto ahead of the December 5, 2026 presidential election. The manifesto, unveiled at the Kairaba Beach Hotel in Kololi, outlines the alliance's proposed policies in key sectors, including employment, agriculture, healthcare, water, and education. The launch comes ahead of the alliance's scheduled nomination at the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) on Friday.
The NDP Alliance has promised to create 150,000 decent jobs for young Gambians if elected, describing youth unemployment as one of the country's major challenges. Thousands of young people complete their education annually without securing employment, forcing some to seek opportunities abroad through irregular migration routes. The alliance intends to create sustainable employment opportunities that would enable young people to earn a living and contribute to national development.
On agriculture, the alliance has pledged to strengthen local food production and reduce dependence on imported food items. 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. The alliance would provide farmers with the necessary support and resources to increase production and improve the country's food security.
The NDP Alliance has also prioritized access to clean drinking water, describing it as a basic right that should be guaranteed to all citizens regardless of their location. Communities that continue to depend on potentially unsafe water sources would be addressed, and the alliance would work to address water-related health concerns, including kidney disease.
In the healthcare sector, the alliance would focus not only on constructing hospitals and health centers but also on ensuring that existing facilities have adequate medicines, equipment, and qualified medical personnel. Infrastructure alone would not guarantee quality healthcare if hospitals lacked essential drugs, equipment, and trained doctors and nurses.
The NDP Alliance has also pledged to improve access to healthcare services by ensuring that medical facilities across the country are adequately equipped and staffed. In education, the alliance promised equal opportunities for students from Arabic and English schools, working towards an inclusive education system. Students from Arabic schools should not face disadvantages in accessing further education, employment, and other opportunities because of their educational background.
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. The alliance believes every child should have an equal opportunity to succeed, regardless of the type of school attended. The launch marks a significant step in the alliance's campaign, as they seek to address the country's major challenges and provide a vision for a better future for Gambians.
Key points
- The NDP Alliance has promised to create 150,000 decent jobs for young Gambians and improve food production to achieve food self-sufficiency.
