Ahmad Gitteh, Independent Candidate for chairperson of Brikama Area Council sent the following congratulatory message to the winner of the race, Yankuba Darboe.

In the statement, Gitteh assured the chairman-elect of his support for the betterment of the West Coast Region.

Below we reproduced the statement in it’s entirety.

Yesterday, I congratulated Chairman-elect Yankuba Darboe on his victory. Although we both seek the mandate of the people of WCR, the people have decided to entrust him with the task ahead. Therefore, I must congratulate him and his team (UDP) for a well-run campaign.

My family and I are grateful to our excellent team and the people of WCR for their support and hospitality during the past few weeks. Moreover, to National Unity Party, we say thank you for the trust and confidence you see in us to endorse our candidacy. Your support was invaluable throughout the campaign. As the people have spoken, Team Gitteh joins the people of WCR to wholeheartedly pray for the chairman-elect for a successful tenure. Significantly, I call on all to join Mr. Darboe in developing our WCR because what remains of the partisan rancor must be put aside for nation-building.

Finally, although we, as citizens, will continue to disagree over the best means to advance the course of WCR, I want to assure you of Team Gitteh’s complete support as you ascend to office. Indeed, Chairman-elect Darboe too has fought for the Gambia during the struggle and he has achieved great things for himself and the country. And that’s why I am calling on all people to turn their partisan politics into patriotism in supporting his goals. For the Gambia our homeland.