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By Alieu Jalllow
The Gambia’s main opposition party, the United Democratic Party (UDP), has officially withdrawn from inter-party talks aimed at forming a unified Coalition 2026, dealing a major blow to efforts to field a single candidate against President Adama Barrow’s ruling National People’s Party (NPP) in the upcoming presidential election.
In a detailed statement following internal consultations, the UDP declared it could no longer participate in the current dialogue process, citing fundamental disagreements over coalition leadership, democratic accountability, constitutional governance, and voting power.
The party revealed that it had originally entered negotiations organized by the Alliance for Democracy and Development (ADD)—which brought together eight registered political parties, 14 civil society organisations, and political movements—”sincerely, openly and in good faith.” It joined in the belief that Gambians deserve “a broad, credible and democratic coalition” capable of tackling severe economic hardship, rising living costs, youth unemployment, corruption, weak institutions, and declining public trust. However, after what it called extensive consultations among its executive leadership, the UDP stated it was forced to walk away, emphasizing that “this decision was neither rushed nor taken lightly.”
Disagreements Over Coalition Structure and 2016 Lessons
At the center of the breakdown was a clash between two competing coalition models. The UDP advocated for a “party-led coalition,” where registered political parties serve as the foundation, jointly selecting a candidate from within their ranks who remains accountable to both their party and coalition partners within constitutional limits. The party argued this approach protects political accountability, preserves constitutional order, and respects parties as the constitutional vehicles of political power.
Conversely, the majority of coalition delegates backed a “candidate-led coalition.” Under this proposed framework, presidential hopefuls would be vetted by a Coalition Mediation Committee before the chosen candidate resigns from their political party to run as an independent.
The UDP rejected this model outright, warning against repeating past mistakes from the landmark 2016 coalition that brought President Barrow to power. The party cautioned that once a sitting president becomes politically detached from the institutions that elected them, internal governance breaks down, coalition agreements dissolve, and accountability vanishes.
“We should learn from our national experience, not repeat it,” the UDP stated.
The party also strongly objected to proposals creating a governing council to oversee the presidency and guide executive decisions. The UDP argued that establishing parallel structures with undefined constitutional standing undermines democratic governance and conflicts with The Gambia’s constitution, which explicitly outlines executive authority.
Dispute Over Voting Rights and Policy Priorities
The UDP further raised serious concerns regarding the selection process for the joint presidential candidate. The current proposal granted equal voting weight to registered political parties, civil society organisations, and political movements regardless of electoral history or public support.
The UDP argued this system unfairly placed entities that have never contested a national election on equal footing with established political parties possessing nationwide structures and proven electoral mandates. While acknowledging its status as the country’s largest opposition group, the UDP maintained its objections were anchored in democratic legitimacy rather than entitlement, asserting that voter confidence must define democratic strength.
Additionally, the UDP criticized the direction of negotiations, warning that delegates had become increasingly preoccupied with power-sharing arrangements, cabinet posts, and parliamentary seats instead of resolving pressing national challenges. The party stressed that coalition talks should prioritize economic recovery, affordable food, healthcare, education, constitutional reform, and transparent governance, declaring: “Public office is a responsibility to serve the people. It should never become the principal objective of political cooperation.”
Door Remains Open for Alternative Alliance
Despite its formal exit from the Coalition 2026 talks, the UDP emphasized that it respects all participating parties, civil society groups, and political movements. The party dismissed accusations that it opposes opposition unity as “misinformation,” pointing to its long history of sacrifices during the struggle for democracy in The Gambia.
The UDP announced it will immediately begin engaging with “like-minded political parties, democratic movements and patriotic Gambians” to construct an alternative alliance grounded in constitutional governance, democratic accountability, fairness, and mutual respect.
“Our door remains open to every individual, political party, movement and organisation that shares these principles,” the statement concluded, reiterating that while opposition unity remains its ultimate goal, any future agreement must be built on democratic principles and national renewal rather than short-term political expediency.
