By Makutu Manneh
The Gambia Labour Party (GLP) has formally joined the National Democratic Party (NDP)-led Alliance ahead of the December 5 presidential election, expanding the coalition to four political entities as opposition parties intensify efforts to consolidate support.
The alliance, led by NDP presidential candidate Kebba Madi Bojang, now brings together the NDP, NAFAA, NARD, and the newly admitted GLP.
The development comes amid growing efforts by opposition parties to forge political partnerships and strengthen their electoral prospects ahead of the presidential contest.
Speaking at a press conference on Friday, Mr. Bojang welcomed the GLP into the alliance, describing the partnership as one founded on equality, mutual respect, and a shared commitment to democratic change.
He said the participating parties were united by a common desire to address the economic and social challenges facing Gambians, emphasizing that no single party would dominate the coalition.
“This is an alliance; no party is above the other,” Mr. Bojang said.
He stressed that the partnership was intended to promote collective leadership and cooperation among its members as they work toward their shared political objectives.
GLP leader Bakusa Dukureh welcomed his party’s admission into the alliance, calling for national unity and a collective approach to addressing the country’s challenges.
Mr. Dukureh said The Gambia belonged to all its citizens, regardless of political affiliation, and urged alliance members to place national interests above partisan considerations.
He also proposed a nationwide political tour to engage voters, explain the alliance’s agenda, and mobilize support ahead of the election.
NDP National President Lamin Jatta similarly emphasized the importance of unity, urging the coalition’s members to remain focused on their common objectives.
Mr. Jatta argued that cooperation and coordinated political activities would be critical to the alliance’s chances of winning the December presidential election.
He also called on the participating parties to work together in developing solutions to the economic hardships and other challenges confronting Gambians.
The GLP’s entry marks another expansion of the NDP-led Grand Alliance as opposition groups seek to strengthen their political influence ahead of the presidential race.
However, the coalition’s electoral prospects will depend on its ability to translate the growing number of participating parties into voter support and maintain unity as the election approaches.
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