Team Gambia Candidates © Team Gambia
By Fatoumata Konteh
Team Gambia Grand Coalition 2026 has unveiled an ambitious political reform agenda, including a new constitution, a two-term presidential limit, increased representation for women and a commitment to reduce poverty within five years if elected into government.
The coalition announced its key policy commitments during a press conference held at Tamala on Monday 19th October 2026, where its leaders outlined plans to return political power and national wealth to the Gambian people ahead of the December 2026 presidential election.
Speaking at the event, Honourable Halifa Sallah, called on citizens to take collective responsibility for the country’s development, arguing that the task of freeing The Gambia from poverty, ignorance and injustice should not be left to politicians alone.
He said successive governments over the past 61 years had pledged to address these challenges but maintained that poverty, injustice, and ignorance continued to increase.
He urged Gambians to rethink the country’s future and work collectively towards building a republic that delivers meaningful change for its citizens.
“The challenge falls on all our shoulders,” he said, stressing that every eligible citizen had a role to play in determining the country’s leadership and direction.
The coalition said its mission was to give The Gambia a new beginning through what it described as leadership with clean hands, accountability, and a commitment to serving the public interest.
Presenting the coalition’s vision, mission and policy commitments, Abdou Bah, chairperson of the campaign committee, said the alliance envisioned a peaceful, sovereign and prosperous Gambia where public power would be exercised in the interests of the people.
He said the coalition aimed to manage national wealth responsibly and create opportunities that would enable every Gambian to rise above the poverty line within five years of its administration.
Among its major commitments is the introduction of a new constitution that would limit presidents to a maximum of two five-year terms.
However, the coalition’s flag bearer would be expected to serve only one five-year term and refrain from seeking office or supporting a candidate in the subsequent presidential election, according to Abdulba.
The coalition also pledged to introduce a requirement for presidential candidates to secure at least 50% plus one of the valid votes to win a presidential election.
It further proposed constitutional and legal reforms to increase women’s representation in Cabinet, the National Assembly, and local councils, with a target of one-third representation through proposed women-only electoral arrangements.
Other proposed reforms include reviewing restrictions on civil servants’ participation in political organisations and eligibility to hold political office, as well as enabling Gambians in the diaspora to register to vote and hold public office without discrimination, subject to the proposed legal and constitutional framework.
Abdulba said the coalition intended to complete constitutional reforms within 18 months of assuming office.
The coalition also pledged to review the country’s sovereign assets and ensure that concessions and investments served the national interest while supporting productive activities across the public and private sectors, cooperatives, and small and medium-sized enterprises.
Abdulba said the coalition’s proposed manifesto would focus on the aspirations of ordinary Gambians, adding that its policies were being developed through consultations rather than being determined solely by party leaders.
He said the coalition had engaged people from different sectors, including farmers, workers, women, young people, lawyers, doctors, and technicians, to identify national challenges and develop possible solutions.
According to him, the campaign committee had already completed two phases of its nationwide engagement programme, with the first phase running from 2nd to 8th October and the second beginning on 10th October 2026.
He said the first phase focused on establishing regional campaign structures, while the second involved sensitising citizens about the coalition’s vision and listening to their concerns.
However, he noted that some areas, including the Kanifing Municipality, the West Coast Region, and Banjul, were yet to be covered during the second phase.
The coalition also announced plans for its presidential aspirants to embark on a nationwide tour and participate in rallies to present their proposals directly to voters.
The tour is expected to provide citizens with an opportunity to assess the aspirants before the coalition selects its flag bearer.
Abdulba said the selection process would involve the Gambian people rather than being conducted behind closed doors.
He added that the coalition’s third phase of activities would focus on nationwide rallies, during which presidential aspirants would explain their positions on the coalition’s policy commitments.
The coalition said the exercise was intended to promote public participation and strengthen trust between its leadership and the electorate.
The coalition’s leaders urged Gambians to put aside their differences and work towards a common national objective.
They argued that returning political power to the people would require more than political declarations, stressing the importance of public trust, accountability, and policies that serve citizens’ interests.
The coalition said it was committed to promoting peace, national sovereignty, transparency, integrity, and responsible leadership.
As the December presidential election approaches, Team Gambia Grand Coalition 2026 is positioning itself as an alternative political platform focused on constitutional reform, poverty reduction, and people-centred governance.
Its proposals, if implemented, would represent significant changes to the country’s political and constitutional arrangements.
The coalition’s ability to translate its commitments into practical policies and secure the confidence of Gambian voters will be central to its prospects in the forthcoming election.
