By Arret Jatta
The United Democratic Party (UDP) and five political parties and two movements are set to formally sign a memorandum of understanding (MoU) today, Friday, August 14, to establish a grand opposition alliance ahead of The Gambia’s 2026–2027 general elections.
The signing ceremony will take place at Jama Hall, Kairaba Hotel, from 4pm, according to an invitation issued through the Gambia First Coalition (GFC) and the UDP Media and Communications Team.
The alliance, described as a “grand opposition alliance,” brings together opposition parties and movements under the GFC-UDP alliance.
The parties and movements confirmed to join the UDP are the Alliance for Democracy and Development (ADD), Citizens’ Coalition for Change (CCC), Gambia Alliance for National Unity (GANU), Gambia for All (GFA), Gambian People’s Advancement Party (GPAP), Golden Era Party (GEP), and the People’s Progressive Party (PPP).
Of the seven groups, ADD, GANU, GA, GPAP and PPP are registered political parties, while CCC and GEP are political movements.
The signing is expected to formally establish the alliance and set the stage for a united opposition approach ahead of the upcoming elections.
The leader of GEP, Saikou Sawo, said they look forward to the signing of the memorandum with UDP leader, Ousainu Darboe, alongside other political parties and movements.
“May this historic step strengthen our shared commitment to unity and a better future for The Gambia. Allah is sufficient for us,” he added.
The event is expected to draw party supporters, sympathisers, media representatives and members of the general public.