As The Gambia prepares for the December 2026 presidential election, transparency must remain at the heart of the democratic process. The call by the Edward Francis Small Centre for Rights and Justice (EFSCRJ), through its Election Watch Initiative, for political coalitions to publish their agreements deserves serious consideration.
Four major coalitions have reportedly been formed ahead of the election: the NPP-GDC Coalition, UMC-NUP Coalition, Gambia First Coalition and Coalition 2026. While their formation and signing have been publicly announced, concerns have been raised over the failure to make the substantive contents of their memoranda of understanding available to voters.
This is a legitimate concern. Coalition agreements can contain important commitments concerning presidential candidates, power-sharing, governance arrangements, policy priorities and the distribution of political responsibilities. Such matters are not simply internal affairs when they can directly influence the choices citizens make at the ballot box.
Political parties have the right to negotiate and form alliances. However, that right should be balanced with the public’s right to know what political arrangements they are being asked to support. Voters should not be expected to endorse political coalitions based solely on public statements while the agreements governing those alliances remain inaccessible.
Transparency also helps protect political parties themselves. Publishing their agreements would allow voters, journalists and civil society organisations to scrutinise their commitments and hold them accountable after the election.
The Independent Electoral Commission and the Inter-Party Committee should encourage a culture of openness throughout the electoral process, without interfering in the lawful autonomy of political parties.
The 2026 election should be about informed choices, not political surprises. Coalition politics can strengthen democracy when alliances are built around clearly stated principles, policies and commitments. But secrecy can undermine public confidence.
The four coalitions should therefore publish their signed agreements, including relevant annexes and supplementary documents. Gambians have a right to know what political arrangements are being made in their name before they cast their votes.
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