By Makutu Manneh
Lamin Juwara, a political analyst, said the opposition coalition’s efforts to unite ahead of The Gambia’s presidential election have stalled because of disagreements over the selection of a flagbearer.
Speaking on Kerr Fatou’s Politic Kachaa program, Mr. Juwara said recent surveys indicated that Gambians would vote to remove President Adama Barrow if the opposition fielded a single candidate. He argued that the coalition’s inability to agree on one candidate could ultimately benefit the incumbent.
Mr. Juwara said there was “a push and pull over the selection of a flagbearer,” adding that “the main problem is insecurity, as bigger parties have been unable to guarantee the interests of smaller parties.”
He compared opposition coalitions in sub-Saharan Africa to military takeovers, saying such alliances often come together to remove a government but struggle to remain united in governing. According to Mr. Juwara, this pattern frequently leads to division and betrayal once power is within reach.
Mr. Juwara also cited the coalition’s failure to meet its deadline for announcing a flagbearer as evidence of deeper challenges within the alliance. He said that while the parties agree President Barrow is not the best option for Gambians and should be voted out, they have been unable to agree on who should replace him.
Reflecting on President Barrow’s early years in office, Mr. Juwara said the president initially acknowledged that he needed help to govern but later became more confident in exercising his authority as advisers encouraged him.
Mr. Juwara concluded that by failing to select a flagbearer, the opposition had weakened its position before confronting the ruling party.
Coalition 2026 had initially announced that it would name its presidential flag bearer on July 11. However, the coalition’s spokesperson later said the announcement had been postponed. The Gambia is now about four months away from its presidential election.
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