By Aminata Kuyateh
Parties engaged in on-going opposition coalition negotiations have revealed that “discussions are on-going on the selection of a coalition flag-bearer, through a democratic and transparent process”.
However, they have not given any indications about the trajectory of the negotiations saying as with any “standard democratic negotiation practices, all negotiating parties are operating based on the strict, conventional principle that ‘nothing is agreed until everything is agreed’,” and that no binding legal agreement has been signed.
In a joint statement issued Tuesday, members of the APeX Coalition Building Project (CBP) confirmed that while significant progress has been made on key governance issues, the question of who will lead the alliance into the December 5 presidential election remains under active deliberation.
The parties taking part in the CBP include the United Democratic Party, All People’s Party-Sobeyaa, Gambia For All, National Unity Party, Tabax Rewmi, and the Unite Movement for Change.
Beyond leadership selection, the coalition said it has reached an agreement on several foundational issues after “extensive and rigorous consultations”. Among the areas of progress is the framework for a shared government, which the parties say will be inclusive, stable, and accountable.
Negotiators are also considering anchoring any future coalition administration on a five-year reform and development programme aimed at shaping policy direction should the alliance succeed at the polls.
The CBP further signalled openness to expanding the alliance, inviting other opposition parties, movements, and presidential aspirants to formally express interest in joining the process.
The parties said their discussions are “good faith efforts” to reach a consensus capable of reshaping the country’s political landscape ahead of the coming elections.
