By: Binta Jaiteh
The ruling National People’s Party (NPP) and the Gambia Democratic Congress (GDC) on Wednesday signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) formalising political alliance ahead of the December 2026 presidential election.
The signing ceremony at the State House in Banjul attracted hundreds of supporters from both parties, marking a significant development in the country’s political landscape.
Speaking at the event, President Adama Barrow, who also serves as Secretary General and Party Leader of the NPP, described the alliance as a partnership founded on mutual respect, consultation and a shared commitment to national development.
He says the alliance seeks to promote peace, strengthen democracy and accelerate socio-economic development across the country.
“We should work together to accelerate peace. The alliance is based on respect, trust and consultation. Together we can better address the challenges facing our people,” Barrow said.
The President reaffirmed his government’s commitment to delivering development without discrimination and welcomed GDC supporters into the alliance.
He also called for continued national unity and peaceful elections.
GDC leader Mamma Kandeh said his party’s decision to join the alliance was guided by national interest rather than personal or political considerations.
He said the GDC had consistently criticised government policies where necessary in pursuit of national development and good governance.
“National development requires cooperation. Our alliance with any political party must be based on principles, good governance and the interests of the Gambian people,” Kandeh remarked.
He added that the agreement would not compromise the party’s core principles and reiterated the need to strengthen democratic institutions, including safeguarding the independence of the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC), ahead of the elections.
The GDC leader also pledged his party’s commitment to making the alliance successful.
Several speakers at the ceremony welcomed the partnership and described it as a step towards promoting national unity and development.
GDC National President Momodou Pateh Bah said the alliance was founded on mutual respect and a shared commitment to national progress, stressing that the party would retain its identity, structures and principles.
NPP National Women Mobiliser Maimuna Baldeh said national development should transcend political differences and urged Gambians to embrace unity.
Meanwhile, Lamin Janneh, representing persons with disabilities called on the government to ensure that people with disabilities are fully included in national development initiatives.
The alliance comes as political parties intensify preparations for The Gambia’s presidential election scheduled for December 2026.