In the last councilor elections about two months ago, only 34% of the 800, 000 eligible voters cast their ballot.
President Adama Barrow has urged Gambians to take up the responsibility of who they put in charge of their resources as the nation vote in mayoral and chairmanship elections.
Barrow made the statement as he cast his ballot in his native Old Yundum town.
“We are calling on all Gambians to come out and vote. We are voting for… people who’d represent us… (and) collect our taxes. I think it is important for you to decide who’d take the responsibility for it,” Barrow said.
Gambia’s local government elections are popular for low turnout of voters. In the last councilor elections about two months ago, only 34% of the 800, 000 eligible voters cast their ballot.
“We need to educate the people; that’s the most important thing. We have to empower people responsible for civic education to make sure people are educated and enlighten. If you are enlightened, you know your right. I think that’s the biggest challenge,” he added.
Barrow said his government has created a level playing field for the conduct of multi-party elections.
“The number of participants in this election is very great, and that is good for our democracy,” he said.
Barrow was accompanied to the polls by the Chairperson of the Independent Electoral Commission and senior State House officials.