By Modou Jatta
UDP leader Ousainu Darboe has declared that the United Democratic Party (UDP) is open to collaborating with the National People’s Party (NPP) and other political parties in The Gambia.
In a letter responding to President Adama Barrow’s congratulatory message on his selection as the UDP flagbearer, Darboe wrote: “I acknowledge receipt of your congratulatory message dated 10 September, 2025, and addressed to me, on the occasion of my election as the flagbearer of the United Democratic Party (UDP), for the upcoming 2026 presidential elections.
“On behalf of the Executive and entire membership of the UDP, I would like to express to you and your party, my appreciation for the kind words and the democratic tenor of the message. Indeed, healthy and vigorous competition between political parties should not and must not exclude courteous and mutually respectful relations between the political actors, especially between the leadership of the political parties and the heads of the other institutions operating in the political space.”
Darboe added that a mutual consideration between him and President Barrow will lighten the atmosphere and set the tone for cordial relations, albeit boisterous at times, between their supporters and militants.
“I would like to assure you of the availability and willingness of my party, its leadership and supporters to work with you and your party as well as with all other political and civil society formations. It is incumbent upon all of us to advance the course of democracy, the rule of law, and mutual respect in the political space.
“I have no doubt that we will all diligently work towards ensuring that the 2026 presidential elections, and all subsequent elections, are free, fair, transparent, and equitable. I believe that the new management of the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) as well as the political and security forces of the country will be up to the task.”
In conclusion, Darboe added, “I would like to reiterate that our party, the United Democratic Party, will continue to be a loyal, responsible, and law-abiding party, and I trust the same will remain true for all political actors in the country. Collectively, we will entrench democracy, the rule of law, and tolerance in The Gambia for inclusive and sustainable economic development of our country and for the betterment of our people.”
