By Omar Bah
The Edward Francis Small Centre for Rights and Justice (EFSCRJ) has demanded that the National People’s Party (NPP) and APP-Sobeyaa publish the full details of their political agreement, including the hidden Confidential Annex on government positions.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, 30th September 2026 under its Election Watch initiative, EFSCRJ said while it commends APP-Sobeyaa for publishing its memorandum of understanding with NPP on Essa Mbye Faal’s official Facebook page within 72 hours of signing, the agreement as it stands lacks clear commitments, transparency and public accountability.
The EFSCRJ said it has reviewed the agreement, which identifies key reforms that matter to Gambians — a new constitution, electoral reform, an effective Anti-Corruption Commission, implementation of outstanding TRRC recommendations, security sector reform and improvements to public services and livelihoods.
“We welcome any commitment to advance these goals. However, an agreement seeking the people’s votes must allow the people to judge what will actually be delivered,” EFSCRJ said.
The rights centre said the agreement imposes a clear obligation on APP-Sobeyaa to support the NPP presidential candidate, but gives citizens no equally clear timetable for delivering the reforms.
It noted that the agreement places the priorities within a broad 2027-2031 period and promises that specific actions, deadlines, and measurable targets will be developed only after a new government is formed.
“That asks voters to endorse the partnership before they can examine its delivery plan,” EFSCRJ warned.
The Centre also flagged the secrecy around government positions. The agreement promises APP-Sobeyaa government positions yet places the minimum allocation in a “Confidential Annex” and refers to additional positions under a personal undertaking by the President.
“The parties cannot claim that this partnership is founded on public accountability while withholding a material part of their political bargain from the public,” it said.
EFSCRJ said the government’s record on unfinished reforms makes specificity especially necessary.
“Promises to ‘pursue’ or ‘advance’ reform, without dates and measurable results, cannot by themselves restore public confidence. Nor should citizens have to wait until after the election to learn the full terms on which political support and government positions were agreed.
“Political parties are free to form alliances. Citizens are equally entitled to know what those alliances promise in their name.” EFSCRJ said.
“The test of this agreement is simple: what will be done, by whom, by when, at what cost, and what happens if it is not delivered? The NPP and APP-Sobeyaa should answer those questions before asking Gambians for their votes.”