By Sheriff Musa
Lawyer Assan Martin, spokesperson for the ongoing opposition coalition talks, has said the coalition project will continue irrespective of whether any participating political party decides to withdraw from the process.
Speaking in an exclusive interview with The Voice Newspaper, Martin said decisions on the coalition’s presidential flag bearer are being made collectively by participants in the talks and not by any individual.
“I am not saying any particular party lacks the quality to lead. Those participating in the coalition talks are the ones who will decide who leads the coalition,” he said.
Martin, a human rights lawyer and political commentator, said he is not seeking to become the coalition’s presidential candidate and is therefore not involved in the contest for the flag bearer position.
He disclosed that coalition stakeholders have agreed in principle that whoever emerges as the coalition’s candidate would have to suspend or resign from his or her political party or movement in order to contest as an independent candidate.
According to him, the arrangement is intended to replicate the model adopted by the opposition coalition in the 2016 presidential election.
Responding to questions about the possible withdrawal of the United Democratic Party (UDP) from the talks, Martin said the coalition project would continue.
“The project is not for any political party or movement. It is for Gambians. If any party decides to leave, the project will continue with those who remain committed to it,” he said.
Martin said the coalition process currently involves representatives of several political parties and movements and is aimed at advancing institutional reforms rather than promoting the interests of any single political organization.
Reflecting on the 2016 coalition experience, Martin said one of the key lessons learned was the need to ensure that any coalition flag bearer remains committed to implementing the coalition agreement.
He said the coalition would not support a candidate who fails to commit to implementing the agreed programme after assuming office.
“We have learned from the past. Whoever becomes the coalition’s flag bearer must commit to implementing the coalition agreement and the reforms agreed by all partners,” he said.
Martin also warned against what he described as a betrayal of public trust, saying coalition leaders would hold any future coalition government accountable to its commitments.
He said the coalition’s objective is not only to seek a change of government but also to implement governance reforms, strengthen democratic institutions and improve accountability.
According to Martin, the coalition seeks to establish a government that delivers tangible benefits to Gambians through institutional reform, transparency and responsible leadership
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