The United Democratic Party (UDP), one of The Gambia’s leading opposition parties, has officially opened applications for its presidential flagbearer for the 2026 General Election.
The announcement, made by the UDP National Executive Committee, invites qualified party members to apply for the prestigious role, marking a significant step in the party’s preparations for the upcoming national vote.
According to the notice issued by the National President and Chairperson of the Selection Committee, applicants must meet both constitutional and party-specific requirements to be eligible. Under Section 62 of the 1997 Constitution of The Gambia, candidates must be Gambian citizens by birth or descent, at least 30 years old at the time of nomination, have completed senior secondary school education or its equivalent, be registered voters, and have resided in The Gambia for at least five years immediately preceding the election.
In addition to these constitutional mandates, the UDP has outlined stringent party requirements. Applicants must be card-carrying members in good standing for at least five consecutive years and demonstrate unwavering loyalty to the party’s principles and values. A key component of the application is a vision statement and a “Quick Impact Agenda” for the first 100 days in office, limited to five pages, outlining the candidate’s plans for The Gambia.
The application process requires a comprehensive set of documents, including a letter of intent (maximum two pages), an updated CV with supporting documents, photocopies of a valid National ID card or Gambian passport, a voter’s card, proof of secondary education, and evidence of residency. Candidates with dual citizenship must also submit a declaration of renunciation.
Applications, addressed to the UDP National President, must be submitted to the Senior Administrative Secretary at the UDP National Secretariat. The application window opens on August 18, 2025, and closes on September 2, 2025. The selection process will follow a tight timeline: vetting will occur from September 4 to 8, with the Central Committee shortlisting candidates on September 9. The Selection Committee will finalize its choice on September 10, followed by a press briefing to announce the flagbearer.
The party call for applications signals its intent to field a strong candidate to challenge for the presidency in 2026. Political analysts view this as a critical moment for the party to consolidate its base and present a unified vision to Gambian voters.
As the country approaches the 2026 election, the UDP’s transparent and structured selection process underscores its commitment to democratic principles. The chosen flagbearer will carry the party’s hopes of leading the nation, with the selected candidate expected to outline transformative policies to address pressing national issues. The coming weeks will be pivotal as the UDP evaluates its contenders and prepares to rally behind its chosen leader.
