By Kemo Kanyi
The Gambia’s opposition parties, political movements and civil society organizations on Saturday convened a second round of coalition talks ahead of the 2026 presidential election, according to a press statement.
The meeting, held at the Baobab Hotel in Bijilo, followed an earlier exploratory session and brought together representatives of several political parties and movements.
It was hosted by the Gambia Democratic Congress (GDC) under the initiative of the Alliance for Democracy and Development (ADD) in collaboration with civil society organizations.
According to the statement, participants included: the United Democratic Party (UDP), GDC, ADD, National Democratic Party (NDP), Unite Movement for Change, National Development Association (NDA), People’s Alliance Party (PAP), Gambian People’s Advancement Party (GPAP), and APRC No-To-Alliance, among others.
The APP SOBEYA, led by Essa Faal, reportedly apologized for its absence due to political engagements in Foni but reaffirmed its participation in the ongoing talks.
The session was chaired by Ebrima S. Bah and Mballow, representing civil society organizations as part of an oversight mechanism aimed at ensuring transparency and impartiality.
The statement said members unanimously selected Professor Yero Mballow as chairperson, replacing Ebrima S. Bah, who had been overseeing the process.
It added that a taskforce committee comprising representatives from participating parties and movements was established to draft terms of reference (ToR) to guide the coalition framework, structure and code of conduct.
The meeting adopted interim principles including transparency, proportional responsibility, zero tolerance for hate speech among partners, and public disclosure of agreements.
It was adjourned to Saturday, May 2, at 10 a.m. and will be hosted by the United Democratic Party (UDP).
