By Kemo Kanyi
The Coalition for Hope, Accountability, National Renewal, Good Governance and Equity (CHANGE) has announced the adoption in principle of a draft coalition agreement following extensive discussions among the participating parties.
In a recent statement, the coalition said the discussions focused on requests to further refine the terms and arrangements governing the proposed coalition.
It said the draft agreement remained subject to the conclusion of discussions on the selection of a coalition flagbearer, which the parties aim to finalize by 6th September 2026.
The CHANGE coalition said the terms of reference guiding the negotiations allowed participating parties to engage simultaneously in bilateral discussions with other political parties, movements and presidential aspirants to strengthen their respective positions.
“Therefore, the terms of the draft agreement under the CHANGE coalition fully recognize UDP’s alliance as a bona fide party,” the coalition said.
According to the negotiating team, the participation of the Alliance for Patriotic Reorientation and Construction (APRC) Sobeyaa, Gambia For All (GFA), Tabax Rewmi Movement and the alliance involving the United Democratic Party (UDP) brings four additional registered political parties and two political movements into the coalition process.
The coalition said the arrangement represented an effort to establish a broad opposition coalition in response to calls from Gambians for greater political unity ahead of the December 2026 presidential election.
CHANGE said it recognized the importance of numbers and reiterated its invitation to other opposition political parties, political movements and aspiring candidates to join what it described as an emerging grand opposition coalition.
The coalition commended the participating parties and their respective partners for their continued commitment, perseverance and constructive engagement over the past 19 months.
It said the sustained engagement demonstrated what it described as the capacity and collective resolve needed to address the challenges facing the country and provide an alternative government.
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