Gambiaj.com – (Banjul, The Gambia) – The United Democratic Party (UDP) has officially unveiled 11 applicants vying for the party’s flagbearer position ahead of the 2026 presidential election. The announcement was made on Wednesday by UDP National President and Chairperson of the Selection Committee, Aji Yamundow Jaye Yarboe, during a press briefing at the party’s headquarters.
Among the contenders are UDP Secretary General and Party Leader ANM Ousainu Darboe, alongside Kanifing Municipal Council Mayor Talib Ahmed Bensouda and National Treasurer Amadou Sanneh. The full list of applicants includes
1. ANM Ousainu Darboe – Party Leader, lawyer, and veteran politician
2. Lamin Jawara – Businessman
3. Lamin NS Ceesay – Founder and Managing Director, Sofanyama Construction
4. Borry S. Touray – Lawyer, UDP Deputy Administrative for Legal and Human Rights
5. Talib Ahmed Bensouda – Mayor of KMC, UDP Organizing Secretary
6. Amadou Sanneh – UDP National Treasurer, former Finance Minister
7. Karamo Fatty – UDP-sponsored candidate in 2022 parliamentary elections
8. Sulayman Saho – National Assembly Member for Central Badibu, Chief Whip, and PAP Member
9. Dr. Lamin J. Darboe – Lawyer
10. Lamin Jobe – Businessman, proprietor of AK Construction
11. Dr. Muhammad Danjo – Medical doctor, founder of Basse Community-Based Clinic
The announcement marks the beginning of a rigorous vetting process that will determine the UDP’s eventual candidate for the 2026 polls.
According to party officials, each applicant will undergo interviews and grassroots consultations, focusing on their leadership experience, integrity, commitment to the UDP, and electability.
National President Yamundow Jaye Yarboe explained that the vetting process will include interviews scheduled for this week, followed by consultations with party officials across the regions.
Reports from both stages will be compiled and forwarded to the Central Committee, which will then shortlist three candidates.
A Council of Elders will subsequently attempt to broker consensus among the shortlisted contenders. If no agreement is reached, the final selection will be made through a secret ballot by an 81-member Selection Committee, comprising national executive members and representatives from all administrative regions.
“The aim is to ensure transparency, fairness, and unity in choosing a candidate who can best represent the UDP in 2026,” Yamundow Jaye Yarboe emphasized.
The unveiling of 11 contenders underscores the high stakes and growing competition within The Gambia’s largest opposition party as it prepares for a pivotal election that could reshape the country’s political landscape.
