Opposition parties and political movements involved in ongoing coalition talks have agreed to adopt a candidate-led model as part of efforts to field a single unity candidate for The Gambia’s December 2026 presidential election.

The decision was reached during the ninth session of the Coalition Mediation Talks held on Saturday at the African Princess Hotel in Kotu.

According to a statement issued by the coalition secretariat, representatives of seven registered opposition parties and 10 political movements attended the meeting, which was hosted by the United Movement for Change (UMC) led by Talib Ahmed Bensouda.

The talks, which are held weekly and hosted on a rotational basis by participating groups, are aimed at building consensus among opposition stakeholders ahead of the 2026 polls.

Delegates also signed key working documents, including the coalition’s Terms of Reference, a Confidentiality Code and a General Assembly Code of Conduct, laying the groundwork for deeper cooperation among members.

The coalition said discussions centred on creating a united front capable of challenging President Adama Barrow’s National People’s Party in the upcoming election.

The next session of the mediation talks will be hosted by the Citizens’ Coalition for Change (CCC) at the Baobab Holiday Resort.