Professor Yerro Mballow, Chairman of the Coalition Taskforce Mediation Committee (CTMC), says opposition coalition discussions are currently underway among all major political groupings in The Gambia, except the People’s Democratic Organisation for Independence and Socialism (PDOIS).
Mballow said PDOIS has informed the committee that it is holding separate consultations and will decide on its position after completing those engagements.
Speaking in an interview on Bitilo, he said about 22 opposition groups are taking part in the ongoing coalition talks. He added that other coalition-building groups not yet involved have indicated interest in joining later in a bid to strengthen opposition unity.
“Coalition-building groups that are not with us inform us they will come for us to be one, solidify, and consolidate,” he said.
Mballow dismissed claims by President Adama Barrow and his supporters that opposition coalition efforts would fail, insisting that the discussions were making steady progress.
He said a united opposition remained the most effective route to defeating the incumbent administration, adding that even a coalition of three or four parties could pose a serious challenge to President Barrow in the 2026 presidential election.
“I am confident there will be a coalition. In fact, the most effective way to defeat this administration is through a united opposition,” he said.
Mballow expressed optimism that the coalition efforts he is leading are on track and could pave the way for victory in the 2026 polls.
