Efforts to select a single opposition presidential candidate under the Coalition Taskforce Mediation Committee (CTMC) have entered a decisive stage, with four aspirants reportedly remaining in the race.
Sources familiar with the process told The Standard that the four contenders are Talib Ahmed Bensouda of the United Movement for Change (UMC), Essa Bokar Sey of the Forum for Gambia, Essa Mbye Faal of APP-Sobeyya and independent aspirant Professor Sheriff Yaffa.
According to the sources, six individuals initially submitted applications to be considered for the coalition’s flagbearer position. One applicant subsequently withdrew, while another was reportedly declared ineligible, leaving four candidates in contention.
The selection process is scheduled to take place on Saturday, 8 August 2026, at the Kairaba Beach Hotel.
However, sources said the organisers have introduced an additional stage intended to encourage the aspirants to reach an agreement among themselves on a consensus candidate.
Under the arrangement, negotiations will first be held among the four contenders in an effort to identify a mutually acceptable flagbearer. A vote will only be conducted if the aspirants fail to reach a consensus.
The consensus approach is reportedly intended to reduce internal competition and preserve unity among the political parties and groups remaining in the coalition process.
Sources involved in the talks said approximately 20 political parties, movements and other groups initially participated in the negotiations.
However, the United Democratic Party, the People’s Progressive Party and the People’s Alliance Party, together with several other groups, later withdrew from the process.
Their departure reportedly leaves 13 political parties and groups that are expected to proceed with the selection of a coalition flagbearer.
The remaining participants are expected to complete the process under the supervision of civil society organisations and other independent observers.
The outcome of Saturday’s meeting could have significant implications for opposition efforts to present a single candidate in the 2026 presidential election.
Whether the four aspirants can agree on a consensus candidate or proceed to a vote will determine the next phase of the coalition initiative.
