The Association for Political Engagement and Exchange (APeX) has announced the conclusion of more than 18 months of negotiations aimed at forming a coalition of opposition parties and movements ahead of the 2026 presidential election.

APeX said the negotiations involved the All People’s Party (APP) Sobeyaa, Gambia For All (GFA), National Unity Party (NUP), Tabax Rewmi Movement, United Democratic Party (UDP) and, until its departure, UNITE.

The proposed coalition will be known as CHANGE, an acronym for Coalition for Hope, Accountability, National Renewal, Good Governance and Equity.

According to APeX, the name reflects the participating stakeholders’ commitment to accountability and democratic reform.

The parties are currently reviewing the draft coalition agreement, including the proposed process for selecting a presidential flagbearer. 

The agreement is expected to be formally adopted on 16 August 2026, with the flagbearer selection process scheduled to begin immediately and conclude by 30 August.

APeX said details of the selection process will be published in due course.

The coalition has also invited other opposition parties, political movements and aspiring candidates to join CHANGE.

APeX acknowledged that the negotiations were challenging but commended the participating stakeholders for what it described as their maturity, patriotism, mutual respect and willingness to compromise.

The organisation said the negotiations had laid the foundation for a partnership focused on serving the interests of the Gambian people.