Gambia: UDP, Opposition Parties to Sign Grand Alliance MoU

The United Democratic Party (UDP) and five opposition parties, along with two movements, are set to sign a memorandum of understanding (MoU) today, Friday, August 14, to establish a grand opposition alliance ahead of The Gambia’s 2026–2027 general elections.

This development is significant for practitioners as it marks a major shift in the country's political landscape. The formation of a grand opposition alliance could potentially alter the dynamics of the upcoming elections and may have implications for the current ruling party. It also highlights the growing trend of coalition politics in The Gambia, which may lead to increased competition among parties.

The relevant statutes and regulations governing political parties in The Gambia include the Political Parties Act 2002 and the Elections (Amendment) Act 2018. These laws provide a framework for the registration, operation, and financing of political parties. The courts involved in any disputes related to this alliance would likely be the High Court of Justice or the Supreme Court of The Gambia.

The key parties involved in this development are the UDP, five opposition parties, and two movements. These parties have been vocal about their intention to form a grand opposition alliance, which could potentially challenge the current ruling party's dominance in the upcoming elections. Practitioners should monitor this development closely as it may have implications for election law and campaign finance regulations.