By: Ebrima Mbaye
The UNITE Movement for Change (UMC) has distributed 120 motorbikes to its ward committees during a ceremony at its Fajara headquarters, as party leaders urged supporters to remain disciplined and calm and to participate in the ongoing supplementary voter registration exercise actively.
The event, marked by excitement and optimism, saw jubilant party members cheering, waving flags, and revving engines as the motorbikes were handed over. Dozens of riders later took to the streets in a celebratory procession through Fajara, honking horns and chanting slogans in a display of renewed energy within the movement.
Addressing the gathering, senior UMC figure Ebrima Dibba described the distribution as a major boost to grassroots mobilization across the country.
“Since UNITE came out, there has been a lot of noise, but we advised our people to remain calm, and we will get there,” Dibba said. “One hundred and twenty motorbikes are not a child’s play. Remain focused and committed.”
He called on party chairmen and leaders at all levels to promote discipline among supporters, stressing that the movement is determined to bring meaningful change to The Gambia.
“Chairmen here should tell your people to remain focused and disciplined. UNITE is ready to change this country,” he declared.
Dibba placed strong emphasis on the ongoing supplementary voter registration, urging members to take personal responsibility for mobilizing eligible voters in their communities.
“Go to your communities and ensure all eligible voters are registered. Everyone should try to register at least five to ten people. The youths can do it—let’s take up the challenge,” he said.
In a powerful message, he added, “We have a bigger weapon to fight, and that is the marble. Let’s do this together.”
The UMC official also raised concerns over alleged political intimidation in parts of the country, particularly in the Central River Region (CRR) and Upper River Region (URR). He accused some regional authorities of actions aimed at undermining opposition supporters, including an incident in which an Alkalo’s official stamp was reportedly confiscated due to family ties to the movement.
“We will not accept a return to politics of intimidation and inducement,” Dibba stated. “No one has the right to confiscate an Alkalo’s stamp.”
National Assembly Member for Latrikunda Sabiji, Yahya Menteng Sanyang, praised the UMC’s commitment to national development and justice. He highlighted the movement’s past legal successes at the ECOWAS Court and called for peaceful participation in the voter registration process.
“This is not the time for fighting at registration centers. Let legitimate citizens register freely. Campaign time will come,” Sanyang urged.
He reminded citizens that the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) accepts four valid documents for registration: attestation, Alkalo’s attestation, passport, and national ID card, stressing the need for transparency and proper verification.
Senior UMC member Karafa Sonko expressed confidence about the movement’s pending registration with the IEC, noting that all required documents had been submitted.
“As a party, we have submitted all the required documents, and we are awaiting a response,” Sonko said. “We must exercise patience and diplomatic restraint. We know our rights, and we are hopeful of a positive outcome.”
Sonko also condemned rising cases of political intimidation, warning that the democratic gains achieved after 22 years of struggle must not be reversed.
UMC officials said the 120 motorbikes will significantly enhance outreach efforts, especially in remote areas, as the movement intensifies grassroots engagement ahead of future political activities.
