By Omar Bah
Under the stewardship of the Gambia First Coalition (GFC), the United Democratic Party (UDP) is set to sign a memorandum of understanding on Friday, 14th August, with four opposition political parties and two political movements.
In a statement shared with The Standard yesterday, the GFC announced that the Alliance for Democracy and Development (ADD), Gambia Alliance for National Development (GANU), Gambian People’s Advancement Party (GPAP), the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) led by Ousman Madikay Faal, as well as the political movements Citizens’ Coalition for Change (CCC) and Golden Era Party (GEP), have agreed to unite behind the UDP ahead of the December presidential election.
The statement added that the agreement will be signed at the Kairaba Beach Hotel next Friday and will be followed by a joint press briefing.
UDP reacts
When contacted for comment, UDP Deputy Administrative Secretary for External Affairs, Lamin Manneh, said the party was approached by the Gambia First Coalition following its withdrawal from the CMTC coalition talks and its decision to support a party-led coalition.
“They share similar ideas and positions with us. That is why, when they contacted us, we readily agreed to join. We want to work with like-minded people so that, once in government, we can move in the same direction and adopt a unified approach, especially given the difficult situation we expect to inherit,” he said.
Manneh expressed his confidence that the country will experience change in December, adding that such change will come through the UDP.
“With this group coming together with us, our chances are even stronger. We will take over this country on 5th December and govern in the best interest of the Gambian people,” he said.
He further stated that although the UDP believes it can win the election independently, it prefers to do so in collaboration with other Gambians.
“Even though the coalition will be led by the UDP, it will be guided by a collective programme. We will develop a programme of government that reflects our various manifestos and policy positions, which we will present to the Gambian people,” he explained.
According to him, once in government, all appointees will be expected to manage their respective ministries or departments responsibly and in the national interest.
“We will campaign across the country together in the interest of the Gambian people,” he added.
Manneh also noted that what could not be achieved during fifteen weeks of CMTC coalition talks was accomplished within one week.
“With like-minded people working together, nothing is impossible,” he said.
He concluded that the alliance will significantly boost the UDP’s chances of winning the election and help bring an end to the hardships faced by Gambians.
“Look at our roads, markets, and the cost of living. Gambians are suffering, and they are aware of it. They are ready to remove this government,” he said.