As political parties form alliances for the December 2026 presidential election, critics are calling for greater transparency regarding the contents of signed coalition agreements.
Key facts
- •The Gambia is scheduled to hold a presidential election in December 2026.
- •The 2016 coalition agreement was publicly disclosed, setting a precedent for transparency that current alliances have largely not followed.
- •Talib Ahmed Bensouda was selected as the flagbearer for Coalition 2026, a process that faced stakeholder withdrawals and allegations of inducement.
- •Critics argue that because political parties seek public authority, their agreements should be matters of public record rather than private documents.
- •PDOIS is cited as an example of a party that has proactively shared its alliance agreements with the media and the public.
Political parties in The Gambia are increasingly forming alliances ahead of the December 2026 presidential election, yet the specific terms of these agreements often remain undisclosed to the public. While public ceremonies and announcements frequently accompany these partnerships, the full texts of the memoranda of understanding are rarely released. This trend has sparked debate about the role of transparency in democratic processes and the public's right to understand the commitments made by those seeking office.
Historical Context of Political Coalitions
In 2016, a coalition of opposition parties successfully united to select a single candidate, Adama Barrow, to challenge then-President Yahya Jammeh. Unlike many current alliances, the terms of the 2016 coalition were publicly discussed, and documents were made available to the public. This process was widely viewed as a defining moment in the country's democratic transition, demonstrating how political cooperation could influence national outcomes.
Current Transparency Challenges
Since 2019, President Barrow’s National People's Party has entered into various arrangements with multiple political groups, including the APRC and GDC, without disclosing the full texts of these agreements. Similarly, recent developments involving Coalition 2026 and the UDP-led Gambia First Coalition have featured public signings, but the specific commitments and procedures outlined in their documents remain private. In contrast, the People's Democratic Organisation for Independence and Socialism (PDOIS) has set a different precedent by providing copies of its alliance agreements directly to journalists and the public.
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This article was independently rewritten by ManyPress editorial AI from reporting originally published by AllAfrica.
