Talib Ahmed Bensouda has said Coalition 2026 must prove itself as more than an electoral arrangement, arguing that its success should ultimately be judged by its ability to unite Gambians, revive stalled reforms and improve living conditions.
Bensouda, the newly selected flagbearer of the coalition, made the remarks during an interview with West Coast Radio. He said the alliance was formed around the broader objective of completing reforms associated with The Gambia’s 2016 political transition while addressing what he described as persistent divisions within the country.
“The mandate specifically is to complete the promise of reforms that Gambia set out to achieve in 2016,” he said, adding that national unity remains another central objective of the coalition.
Bensouda, who serves as mayor of the Kanifing Municipal Council and leads the UNITE Party, said opposition parties participating in Coalition 2026 would have to place national priorities above individual party ambitions if the alliance is to remain effective.
He said UNITE decided to join the coalition after several weeks of consultations, even though the party entered the process relatively late. According to him, the decision was based on the belief that cooperation among political parties and movements could provide a stronger platform for political and economic transformation.
Bensouda stressed that the coalition should not define its mission solely around defeating the incumbent administration. Instead, he said, the emphasis must be on whether the alliance has the structures, policies and leadership necessary to govern effectively.
“I always say we join a coalition to govern, not a coalition to win,” he said.
He cited the rising cost of living, corruption and crime among the issues Coalition 2026 intends to prioritise, saying Gambians expect any alternative government to produce tangible improvements in their daily lives.
“We want this country to change drastically, from cost of living to fighting corruption to crime; we want Gambia to prosper,” Bensouda said.
He also explained that his selection as flagbearer does not give him exclusive control over the coalition.
According to Bensouda, strategic decisions will be made through the Coalition 2026 Council, which brings together leaders of the parties and political movements within the alliance.
He said matters such as the campaign structure, policy direction and manifesto would be subjected to collective deliberation, while disagreements would ultimately be settled through majority voting.
The arrangement, he said, is intended to ensure that the coalition remains accountable to its participating members rather than becoming dominated by the presidential candidate.
Bensouda further warned that political alliances cannot survive on signed agreements alone. He said trust, shared principles and a common understanding of the country’s future would be essential if Coalition 2026 is to remain united before and after the presidential election.
His comments place governance and institutional reform at the centre of the coalition’s message as it seeks to persuade voters that it can function not merely as an opposition electoral vehicle, but as a viable alternative government.
