PDOIS Secretary General Suwaibou Touray has warned that opposition parties in The Gambia must unite behind a single candidate to defeat President Barrow and prevent him from securing a third term. Touray emphasized that without a grand alliance, the opposition risks repeating past electoral outcomes where a divided front benefited the incumbent. The ruling National People's Party (NPP) has historically avoided the absolute majority system, a factor Touray believes necessitates a unified opposition strategy.
"What we should all realise is that it will not be the interest, desire or even benefit for any entity to have two or three small groups thinking that they can achieve a victory," Touray stated, advocating for a single opposition alliance. "The ideal thing is to have a single opposition alliance against the ruling party."
Team-Gambia Initiative Progress
The People's Democratic Organisation for Independence and Socialism (PDOIS) is currently participating in the 'Team-Gambia coalition initiative'. This initiative, aimed at fostering opposition unity, is spearheaded by PDOIS veterans Halifa Sallah and Sidia Jatta. PDOIS has stated its intention to await the conclusion of the Team-Gambia initiative before making further strategic decisions regarding alliances. Consequently, PDOIS is notably absent from the ongoing coalition discussions involving the Coalition of Parties for Electoral Reforms (CMC) and the Alliance of Progressive and Patriotic Parties (APeX). The party's focus remains on the Sallah and Jatta-led effort to build a broad-based opposition front.
The Case for a Grand Alliance
Gambian elections operate without an absolute majority system, a factor PDOIS Secretary General Suwaibou Touray noted as key for opposition strategy. Touray asserted that only a "grand alliance of all alliances" possesses the potential to bring about political change in the country. He expressed skepticism about the opposition's chances of victory without such a unified front. "In my assessment, I am not hopeful of opposition victory without a single united opposition coalition," Touray stated, referencing feedback from the provinces indicating a desire for a single opposition candidate. Touray emphasized that "one or two parties allying may not likely bring about a change," showing the need for broader unity. He stressed that a fragmented opposition risks repeating past outcomes, allowing the incumbent to prevail.
Quotes on Opposition Unity
The People's Democratic Organisation for Independence and Socialism (PDOIS) maintains that a unified front is the only viable strategy to defeat the National People's Party (NPP), advocating for all opposition parties to consolidate behind a single candidate. This approach is deemed essential for electoral success against the incumbent. The 'Team-Gambia initiative,' which PDOIS is part of, is currently in its concluding stages of consultations, aiming to foster this broader opposition unity. This initiative is led by PDOIS veterans Halifa Sallah and Sidia Jatta, and its outcome is awaited by PDOIS before making further alliance decisions. PDOIS Secretary General Suwaibou Touray noted that feedback gathered from the provinces consistently indicates a strong desire among the populace for a single opposition candidate to challenge the incumbent. This sentiment from regional areas shows the perceived need for a unified approach to ensure a competitive electoral landscape.