The Grand Coalition 2026, a group of political parties and civil society organizations, has vowed to return The Gambia to its citizens if it wins the December 5 presidential election. The coalition, led by veteran politician Halifa Sallah, made the pledge at a press conference held on September 21 at Tamala Hotel in Bijilo. Sallah declared that the theme of the press conference was "handing Gambia back to her people." The coalition aims to adopt a successful 2016 model where the flagbearer resigns from their party to contest as an independent candidate.
The Grand Coalition 2026 brings together five political parties, eight political movements, two independent presidential aspirants, four civil society organizations, and eight prominent personalities. Sallah noted that the group has been in consultation since March 2 to share opinions on what is best for the country and how to shape its destiny. The coalition will ensure term limits are entrenched in the constitution and that no one will lead the country without the backing of the vast majority of voters.
Sallah explained that the coalition's constitution says the sovereignty of the republic resides in the people of The Gambia, and authority must not be exercised without deriving that power from their consent. He added that authority should only be exercised to promote the general welfare of the people. The coalition is committed to this principle and aims to promote a government that derives its power from the consent of the people.
The Grand Coalition 2026 will adopt a model that succeeded in changing government through the ballot box and brought Adama Barrow to power in 2016. However, Sallah assured that the coalition will avoid the pitfalls of the 2016 coalition. The group has been working together to assess what had been said and further agreed to meet for ground preparation of the press conference.
Within 18 months of assuming office, the coalition government will deliver the constitution of the Third Republic, with eradicating poverty as one of its key objectives. Sallah assured that the coalition will work to promote the general welfare of the people and ensure that the country's resources are used for the benefit of all citizens.
The coalition's plan to hand power and resources back to the people has been met with enthusiasm from various stakeholders. The group aims to ensure that the country's resources are used transparently and accountably. Sallah emphasized that the coalition is committed to promoting a government that is accountable to the people.
The Grand Coalition 2026 is set to contest the December 5 presidential election, with Halifa Sallah as its coordinator. The coalition's pledge to return The Gambia to its citizens has generated significant interest among the electorate. The group will continue to work towards its goal of promoting a government that derives its power from the consent of the people.
Key points
- Grand Coalition 2026 pledges to hand power and resources back to Gambian people if it wins December 5 presidential election.
- Coalition aims to adopt 2016 model where flagbearer resigns from party to contest as independent candidate.
- Coalition government will deliver constitution of Third Republic within 18 months, with eradicating poverty as key objective.
