MC Cham Jr, Business Councillor KMC
By Seedy Jobe
MC Cham Jr., a business councilor at the Kanifing Municipal Council and a member of the Unite Movement for Change (UMC), said new survey data indicates that a majority of Gambian voters are not firmly aligned with either the ruling party or the United Democratic Party, signaling growing openness to alternative political leadership.
In a statement reacting to figures released by the Center for Policy Research and Strategic Studies (CePRASS), Mr. Cham said independent voters, supporters of smaller opposition parties, and undecided citizens together make up more than half of the electorate.
“Independent voters, supporters of non-UDP opposition parties, and undecided citizens together account for well over 52 percent of the electorate. This is the most important political fact revealed by the survey,” he said.
Cham argued that the data challenges long-held assumptions about the balance of political power in the country. According to him, the largest political bloc now consists of voters who are unaffiliated and willing to consider alternatives based on performance and ideas rather than party loyalty.
“The largest political bloc in The Gambia today does not belong to the ruling party nor to the UDP. It belongs to Gambians who are independent-minded, unaffiliated, and open to credible alternative leadership.”
He said this shift has implications for how opposition politics is conducted, suggesting that no single party can claim exclusive ownership of the opposition space.
“This reality changes the political conversation. It shows that opposition politics in The Gambia no longer belongs to one party alone. Voters are thinking for themselves. They are judging leaders by performance, ideas, and integrity rather than by history or party loyalty. Many are clearly waiting for an option that truly represents their hopes for better governance and national progress.”
Mr. Cham said the survey results point to an opportunity for a so-called “third force” coalition, provided opposition actors are able to unite around clear leadership and a coherent message.
“For a third force coalition, the path is now open. Unity, clear leadership, and a message that connects with ordinary Gambians can turn this majority into a winning force. Success will require discipline, trust, and a shared understanding of the country’s priorities. Leadership must be earned in the present, measured by support on the ground, and not assumed on the basis of history or political entitlement,” he said.
In closing, Mr. Cham described the CePRASS findings as a call to action for opposition figures across the political spectrum.
“The CePRASS figures send a simple message. No party has a monopoly on opposition politics. The future belongs to those who can unite, listen to voters and offer real solutions to the challenges facing the nation, The door is open. The numbers are there. What remains is the will to organise, unite and lead,” he said.
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