By Sering Mass Jallow
The United Democratic Party (UDP) in Bundung has rejected any coalition arrangement based on an equal “fifty-fifty” partnership, emphasizing its claim to lead opposition alliances.
Sulayman Dampha, UDP public relations officer for Bundung Constituency, told The Voice on Monday that the party is open to forming coalitions to unseat the incumbent administration but stressed that its role should be as the majority partner.
“We are open to a coalition at any time, but we form the majority, and we all know what that means,” Dampha said, highlighting the party’s sustained presence and performance in both national and local elections.
He argued that some opposition figures prioritize personal ambition over collective goals, citing instances where candidates from past elections later aligned with the ruling party for appointments.
Dampha described the UDP as the only opposition party capable of consistently challenging the presidency, pointing to recent National Assembly, mayoral, and ward councillor election results as evidence of its electoral strength.
He added that any coalition must recognise the UDP as the leading force, citing the party’s financial resources, intellectual capacity, and organised grassroots support.
His remarks come amid renewed discussion over opposition coalition talks, which analysts say could influence the outcome of upcoming elections.