Dear Editor,
The collapse of another opposition coalition before the 2026 presidential election is not merely a story of failed negotiations—it reflects a deeper structural challenge within Gambian opposition politics. Coalition-building has repeatedly been driven by the arithmetic of defeating an incumbent rather than by a shared ideological vision or a long-term governance programme. As a result, discussions often become centred on who should lead rather than what a coalition should achieve once in office.
The UDP’s decision to abandon the coalition format marks a significant turning point. As the country’s largest opposition party, it appears to have concluded that its electoral strength is sufficient to compete independently, making the compromises required by coalition politics less attractive. While this strategy may consolidate the UDP’s own support, it also raises the possibility of a fragmented opposition vote if multiple candidates appeal to similar constituencies.
The GDC’s decision to align with President Barrow’s NPP further alters the political equation. It demonstrates that Gambian politics continues to be shaped more by strategic alliances and political calculations than by rigid ideological divisions. Such realignments can strengthen the incumbent by broadening his political coalition while simultaneously reducing the prospects of a unified opposition challenge.
More fundamentally, these developments expose a recurring weakness in Gambian politics: the absence of strong institutionalised party systems. Personal leadership, regional support bases, and electoral strategy often outweigh policy debates, making coalitions inherently fragile. Without clear agreements on leadership succession, power-sharing, and governance priorities, alliances tend to unravel under political pressure.
Ultimately, the 2026 election may become less of a contest between a united opposition and the incumbent, and more of a test of whether individual parties can persuade Gambians that they offer a more credible vision for the country’s future. If the opposition remains divided, the advantage naturally shifts towards the incumbent—not necessarily because of overwhelming popularity, but because electoral fragmentation can be as decisive as political strength. The lesson from the coalition’s collapse is that unity cannot be sustained by a common opponent alone; it requires a shared political project, mutual trust, and institutions capable of surviving competing ambitions.
Omar Bah
Bakoteh
Reflection on CMTC coalition palaver
Dear Editor,
One fundamental question must be asked: How did Essa Faal, having participated in the coalition process, only suddenly discover that the process was supposedly flawed barely a day before the election, conveniently withdrawing at the eleventh hour?
Equally troubling is the position of Chairperson and mediator who resigns from the very institution and process he was entrusted to guide, only to subsequently stand outside it and question its legitimacy. If there were fundamental defects in the process, when were they discovered? Were they raised while he still had the responsibility and opportunity to address them? And if not, why not?
You cannot abandon a process midway, relinquish the responsibility entrusted to you, and then seek, after the fact, to discredit the very process you walked away from.
These are legitimate questions that deserve clear and convincing answers.
Talib has been duly elected as flag-bearer under a party led coalition whether it’s made up of boys’ scouts or bicycle clubs, that’s our business to deal with. You don’t subscribe to the outcome, go and form your own coalition process and build consensus amongst yourself. It’s that simple. Why blowing hot hair and having tantrums?
Also, I don’t, as a matter of fact, trust a politician that comes out first to divulge untested privilege conversations. It leaves a bitter taste in my mouth.
It does seem to me that the average Gambian politician is more focused on positions before the fact than anything else.
In the coming days, Essa will have to coalesce with either the UDP or NPP because going solo will bring forth the worst defeat and political disgrace ever to be seen in Gambian politics following the hype of @ I believe I can win”.
Melville Robertson Roberts
UK