Give to Caesar What Belongs to Caesar
Why the Coalition Flag Bearer Must Come from UDP
By Baba Colley
The coalition conversation currently unfolding changes everything. The old playbook no longer applies. What happens in those conference rooms, away from public scrutiny, will define Gambia’s political future.
As opposition parties explore coalition building ahead of the 2026 presidential election, one question towers above all others: which party should provide the flag bearer? The answer lies not in political maneuvering, but in democratic logic and voter representation. Before critics dismiss this as partisan advocacy, let’s be clear—this has little to do with any individual and everything to do with the United Democratic Party as an institution.
Missing the Democratic Element
I watched Essa Faal address a recent gathering, cautioning participants against turning the process into “another anointing ceremony” for the UDP. He mentioned no names, but his meaning was unmistakable, as was his intended audience. Notably absent from his remarks was one crucial word: democratic.
How can we take seriously a political process that begins by dismissing the people’s voice?
The United Democratic Party holds the strongest claim to the flag bearer position, and this isn’t about party ambition. It’s about respecting the will of Gambian voters who have consistently demonstrated their preference for UDP at the ballot box. Of all the parties in this potential coalition, none has ever won more votes than UDP in any contest. Some of these parties have never received a single vote. Why start this dialogue by pretending UDP isn’t the dominant force?
The Electoral Record Speaks
In the 2022 National Assembly elections, UDP secured 15 seats, making it the largest opposition party in parliament. While President Barrow’s NPP won 18 seats, UDP has maintained its position as the primary opposition force representing the largest bloc of opposition voters. This parliamentary strength didn’t emerge from nowhere—it reflects years of consistent voter support across multiple regions and constituencies.
Looking back to 2017, UDP’s dominance was even more pronounced, winning 31 of 53 elected seats in a historic landslide. Though the political landscape has shifted since then, the party’s organizational strength and voter base remain formidable. These aren’t abstract numbers—they represent hundreds of thousands of Gambians who placed their trust in UDP leadership.
Lessons from Parliamentary Democracies
In parliamentary systems worldwide, coalition formation follows a well-established principle: the party with the most seats typically leads government formation and selects the prime minister. This isn’t arbitrary tradition but democratic logic. The largest party has demonstrated the strongest mandate from voters, and respecting that mandate maintains democratic legitimacy.
While Gambia operates under a presidential rather than parliamentary system, the underlying principle remains sound. When opposition parties unite to challenge an incumbent, the coalition should honor the preferences voters have already expressed through their parliamentary choices. To do otherwise risks alienating the very voters the coalition needs to defeat President Barrow. If Faal and others want to defy simple democratic logic and position themselves to blame UDP when things fall apart, they can proceed down that path.
The Political Cost of Disrespecting Voters
Imagine the reaction of UDP’s voter base if the party with the strongest opposition support were sidelined in coalition negotiations. Voters who supported UDP candidates in their constituencies, who organized rallies and mobilized communities, would rightfully question why their electoral choices were being disregarded. This isn’t hypothetical concern—it’s basic political psychology.
Coalition success depends on enthusiasm and turnout. If UDP supporters feel their party has been unfairly treated, they may simply stay home on election day. Even worse, some might view the coalition as illegitimate, potentially fracturing opposition unity before the real contest even begins.
Balancing Leadership with Inclusion
This doesn’t mean other parties should be excluded from meaningful participation. On the contrary, a coalition led by a UDP flag bearer can—and should—include substantial roles for other parties. Vice presidential positions, ministerial appointments, and policy commitments can ensure that smaller parties and their supporters see tangible representation in a coalition government.
The key is balancing leadership with inclusion. UDP provides the flag bearer because it represents the largest opposition constituency. Other parties gain guaranteed positions and policy influence that reflect their own electoral support and expertise. This arrangement mirrors successful coalitions elsewhere: the strongest party leads, but governs inclusively. For newcomers to the big leagues like Talib Bensouda, learning the ropes in supporting roles is part of the process. If this is truly about Gambia’s future, that shouldn’t be a problem.
The Choice Before Opposition Parties
Opposition parties face a straightforward choice. They can respect the democratic logic that places UDP at the coalition’s head while negotiating meaningful roles for all participants. Or they can allow disputes over the flag bearer position to fracture opposition unity, virtually guaranteeing President Barrow’s reelection.
UDP’s position as the leading opposition party isn’t a power grab—it’s a reflection of voter preferences expressed through multiple elections. Honoring those preferences strengthens rather than weakens democratic practice. It sends a message that opposition parties respect the choices Gambians have already made, while offering a united alternative for 2026.
For coalition talks to succeed, all parties must recognize this reality. UDP should provide the flag bearer not because it demands this position, but because Gambian voters have placed it there through their electoral choices. The question isn’t whether UDP deserves this role, but whether opposition parties will respect democratic principles enough to acknowledge it.