By: Isatou Sarr
The Gambia’s PASTEF party has rejected the idea that any future political coalition should automatically be led by the country’s largest or main opposition party, arguing that such an approach undermines inclusivity and national unity.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, November 11, 2025, PASTEF’s Public Relations and Communications Officer, Mr. Mayorro Sidibeh, said a coalition structured around one dominant party contradicts the spirit of genuine collaboration needed for democratic progress.
He explained that in many democratic systems, a party-led coalition is only justified in a second-round voting scenario where the leading and runner-up parties compete to secure majority support. According to him, this was one of the reasons behind calls for a constitutional framework that would have introduced a 50%+1 majority threshold, paving the way for second-round elections.
“Unfortunately, with the rejection of the 2024 Draft Constitution, that opportunity for more representative governance was lost,” Sidibeh said.
He added that under the current simple-majority system, every vote holds decisive weight, making it unrealistic for any single political organization to unseat an incumbent without broad-based support. He emphasized that the contribution of all political parties, movements, and independent voices regardless of size or popularity is essential for any meaningful political change.
“In a fragmented political landscape, victory depends not on dominance, but on collaboration and unity of purpose,” he noted.
PASTEF therefore proposed that a future coalition should rally behind an independent and unifying candidate, chosen collectively by representatives of the people. The party believes such a structure would transcend partisan boundaries and place national interest above individual or party ambitions.
According to the statement, a people-centered, independent-led coalition offers the best chance for genuine democratic renewal and inclusive governance one that represents all Gambians equally, not just the followers of the largest political organization.
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By: Isatou Sarr The Gambia’s PASTEF party has rejected the idea that any future political coalition should automatically be led…
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