UDP leader Ousainu Darboe has promised that The Gambia would have a new constitution within the first 12 months of his presidency if he wins the 2026 presidential election.

Darboe made the commitment during an interview on Coffee Time with Peter Gomez on Monday, October 12, 2026, describing constitutional reform as a key promise against which Gambians could measure his performance after one year in office.

Asked to identify one specific commitment that citizens could use to judge his administration, Darboe said he would deliver a new constitution within 12 months of assuming office.

“It is doable,” he said, insisting that the country already had draft documents that could provide a foundation for the process.

He identified the 2020 draft constitution and the 2024 draft as documents that could be harmonised into a new proposal.

According to Darboe, competent legal professionals in The Gambia could undertake the harmonisation exercise within three months, allowing the government to proceed with the legislative process and, ultimately, a referendum.

However, he stressed that securing sufficient support in the National Assembly would be crucial to delivering the promise.

Darboe said he wanted a parliament that would support the proposed reforms rather than reject them because they originated from the UDP or a coalition led by the party.

He argued that a supportive legislature would be necessary to prevent constitutional proposals from being blocked or substantially weakened during consideration.

The UDP leader also explained that a new constitution would not automatically resolve every challenge facing the country, particularly the rising cost of living, which he described as an economic issue requiring separate policy responses.

Nevertheless, he said constitutional reform could help establish a more attractive environment for investors by providing a clearer picture of the country’s governance framework.

Darboe is the leader and secretary-general of the UDP and the flag bearer of the Gambia First Coalition.

His pledge places constitutional reform among the commitments he would be expected to deliver if elected in 2028.

The proposal would still require the necessary constitutional and legislative procedures, including a referendum where required.

By Adama Makasuba