By Makutu Manneh
Opposition parties engaged in ongoing talks to form a unified electoral alliance are expected to sign a formal coalition framework on Saturday, according to organizers of the negotiations.
Ebrima S. Bah, secretary general of the coalition task force’s mediation committee, said the agreement would establish the basic rules and structure governing the proposed alliance.
“The next meeting we are about to hold, we will sign the coalition framework. These would be the rules and regulations of the coalition,” Mr. Bah said during an appearance on Kerr Fatou’s Politic Kacha program.
He said discussions remain open on the structure of the alliance, including whether it should be led by a political party or centered around a single presidential candidate. He added that other models were also still being considered, with no final decision reached.
Mr. Bah noted that the ultimate choice would be made by party leaders participating in the talks. He described the mediation committee as comprising civil society representatives brought in after registered political parties initiated the negotiations.
Asked about the possibility that the talks could collapse without agreement, lawyer and human rights activist Assan Martin, who also appeared on the program, acknowledged that outcome was possible but said he remained cautiously optimistic.
“The talks can fail or succeed, as they are still ongoing,” Mr. Martin said. “But we are hopeful and optimistic that compromise and concessions will come. We can go for a win-win situation.”
Several opposition parties and movements are currently involved in the negotiations, which aim to produce a unified front to challenge President Adama Barrow and his National People’s Party in the December 5 presidential election.
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