Representatives of political parties, political movements, civil society organisations and concerned citizens have called for the convening of a national conference to discuss the formation of a broad-based coalition ahead of The Gambia’s 2026 presidential election.
The call followed a meeting held on Aug. 29 at Paradise Suites, where participants validated a report arising from a six-month consultative exercise on coalition building under the Team Gambia 2026 Initiative.
According to the organisers, participants reviewed the report and unanimously endorsed a recommendation to convene a National Conference of willing stakeholders on Sept. 12, 2026.
The conference is expected to discuss an agreement to establish Team Gambia 2026 as a coalition under Section 155 of the Elections Act, as well as consider a time-bound work plan and programme for the electoral cycle beginning in 2026.
The organisers said participants expressed concern that conditions for a free, fair and genuine multi-party contest did not currently exist in The Gambia.
They also argued that the absence of constitutional reform introducing a presidential term limit had allowed what they described as the risk of self-perpetuating rule to persist since the 2016 political transition.
The initiative is proposing an inclusive transitional government after the 2026 presidential election, which the organisers said would be mandated to implement time-bound constitutional and institutional reforms and create a level playing field for future elections.
If established, Team Gambia 2026 would comprise a number of sector-based forums, including presidential, National Assembly, local government, expert, farmers, workers, youth, women, persons with disabilities, diaspora and TRRC victims’ forums.
The organisers said the forums would provide platforms for different sectors of society to articulate their concerns and priorities, which would inform the coalition’s manifesto and programmes.
They added that the forums and other committees would also provide oversight to promote the implementation of agreements, policies and programmes adopted by the coalition.
The coordinators, Halifa Sallah and Sidia Jatta, urged Gambians at home and abroad to support what they described as an initiative aimed at bringing about political change for the common good.
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