Gambiaj.com – (SERREKUNDA, The Gambia) – A broad-based opposition coalition is steadily consolidating its position ahead of The Gambia’s next presidential election, as its third strategic summit concluded with renewed momentum and tangible outcomes.
The Coalition Task Force, bringing together a wide array of political parties and civil society actors, including ADD, APP Sobeya, CCC, APRC “No To Alliance,” GPAP, PAP, UDP, UMC, NDP, GMP, Wareef, PASTEF Gambia, PRP, GDC, GFA, and others, held what participants described as a productive and forward-looking session.
While the atmosphere was described as energetic and collegial, discussions remained firmly focused on the practical steps required to build what could become the country’s most formidable opposition alliance, with less than eight months remaining before the presidential polls.
Concrete Steps Toward Unity
Deliberations at the summit produced several key decisions aimed at strengthening cohesion and operational readiness within the coalition.
Foremost among them was the adoption of an enhanced Code of Conduct, designed to promote internal discipline, mutual respect, and accountability. The revised framework introduces enforcement mechanisms and penalties intended to manage disputes and maintain unity among member groups.
Participants also initiated the drafting of a common policy platform, a move aimed at harmonizing the diverse political visions within the coalition into a single, coherent agenda.
In addition, a mediation committee has been mandated to engage with non-aligned or hesitant groups in an effort to broaden the coalition and prevent fragmentation. Updates were also shared on ongoing legal inquiries into alleged irregularities in the voter registration process, an issue that continues to generate concern among stakeholders.
A detailed timeline for the Coalition Transitional Mechanism Committee (CTMC), covering the period from May to September, has also been circulated, outlining key milestones and next steps.
Echoes of 2016, and Present Challenges
The coalition’s efforts have drawn comparisons to the landmark 2016 opposition alliance that led to the electoral defeat of former President Yahya Jammeh, underscoring the potential impact of a unified front.
Recent survey data from CEPRess suggests a growing public appetite for political change, alongside indications that the ruling National People’s Party (NPP) faces challenges in consolidating its support base.
However, the NPP has dismissed the opposition’s initiative, characterizing it as disorganized and internally divided, despite the coalition’s claims of steady progress.
Next Steps
The coalition’s fourth strategic session is scheduled for Saturday, May 9, and will be hosted by APP Sobeya, with the venue yet to be announced.
As preparations intensify, coalition leaders say their focus remains on building a credible and cohesive alternative capable of competing effectively in the upcoming elections.
Ebrima Bah, Secretary General of the Coalition Mediation Committee, emphasized the group’s long-term vision, stating: “We’re building something solid for the national interest.”
With time running down to election day, the coalition’s ability to sustain its momentum and translate internal agreements into a unified electoral strategy will likely prove decisive.
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