By Makutu Manneh
ANM Ousainu Darboe, Secretary General and flag-bearer of the United Democratic Party (UDP), has asserted that his party has consistently been denied victory in past elections due to alleged electoral malpractice, while expressing confidence that the upcoming December 5 presidential election will yield a different outcome.
Darboe made the remarks during an interview with Mengbe Kering, where he addressed ongoing discussions surrounding a potential opposition coalition.
He confirmed that the UDP is actively engaged in coalition talks but emphasized that the party is seeking to lead any such alliance.
“The UDP is involved in ongoing coalition discussions, and we want to lead the coalition. Other parties also want to lead, so it is only natural that we put ourselves forward,” he said.
Responding to suggestions that the UDP should уступ leadership in a new coalition—given that a UDP member led the 2016 alliance—Darboe clarified that President Adama Barrow was not a UDP candidate at the time, noting that Barrow had resigned from the party prior to being selected as the coalition flag-bearer.
He argued that this precedent strengthens the case for UDP leadership in the proposed 2026 coalition, adding that the party should be given the opportunity to lead and demonstrate its electoral strength.
Darboe also rejected the notion that no single political party can unseat an incumbent without forming a coalition. According to him, political parties should be established with the primary objective of contesting and winning elections independently, rather than relying solely on alliances.
He further claimed that perceptions favoring coalition politics stem partly from the misuse of incumbency by the ruling government, alleging that official state functions are often turned into political platforms.
“Activities such as foundation stone laying, which are legitimate government functions, are sometimes used as political rallies. This is why some believe a coalition is necessary,” he stated.
Darboe pointed to the most recent National Assembly elections as evidence of UDP’s electoral strength, noting that the party contested without endorsements from other political groups yet secured victories against candidates from the ruling National People’s Party (NPP), despite its broader alliance.
He reiterated the UDP’s commitment to contesting the upcoming presidential election with renewed determination, expressing optimism about achieving a different result.
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