President Adama Barrow has assured Gambians that the December 5 presidential election will be peaceful, transparent and credible.
Speaking on October 16 in Bijilo at the final meeting of his Meet the People Tour in Kombo, West Coast Region, Barrow said his administration will do everything possible to safeguard the integrity of the polls.
"I want to assure Gambians that the election will take place peacefully. I will do everything I can to ensure that the election takes place peacefully. We will also make sure it is transparent, so that the whole world can testify that it was a transparent election," he said.
Barrow said the outcome will be respected by the international community because Gambians want to build and strengthen democracy.
"The results of the election will be respected by the whole world because we know that Gambians want to build democracy and lay a strong foundation for it. We want to strengthen our democracy so that it can be stronger than democracies across Africa," he said.
He said the opposition cannot undermine the country's democratic gains, adding that The Gambia's democratic credentials are key to continued support from development partners.
Addressing political tensions, Barrow urged opposition parties to focus on campaigning rather than confrontation.
"If two people get into a fight, if you are ready to fight but I am not, no matter how much you carry on, you will eventually calm down. There is one piece of advice I give them: go and campaign. Only campaigning will solve your problem," he said.
He stressed that access to power is only through democratic means.
"The window, the back way and the back door are all closed in The Gambia. Whoever wants to enter must go through one door, the front door. That is the only way to get in," he said.
Barrow said peace is a collective responsibility.
"We have no other country, we only have The Gambia. Since The Gambia is all we have, we must do everything possible to protect it, maintain peace and stability, and strengthen our democracy," he said, urging opposition supporters to advise their families to uphold peace.
He used the meeting to highlight development projects in the West Coast Region, saying what has been done so far is only the beginning. He said projects listed by Works Minister Ebrima Sillah are part of a larger portfolio that will become clearer during implementation.
He cited road works from Yundum towards Busumbala and the OIC Highway, noting that even opposition parties use the roads built by his administration.
Responding to the Alkalo of Bijilo, who said it was the first time a president held a meeting in the community, Barrow said he appreciated the turnout.
On the incomplete Bijilo hospital, he said the Ministry of Health has assessed over 20 incomplete health facilities across the country. A consolidated proposal has been submitted to the Chinese government under a grant, with Bijilo expected to be included.
He also acknowledged concerns about an incomplete skills centre, saying he will engage the Minister of Education.
Barrow said his government listens and will continue to act on community needs as resources allow.