The United Democratic Party (UDP) has concluded the initial stage of its flag bearer selection process, with all eleven aspirants successfully completing interviews designed to test their eligibility and suitability for leadership.
Speaking to the press, Alhagie S. Darboe, the party’s senior administrative secretary, confirmed that the vetting process will now move into its second and final phase: a nationwide consultation with party militants.
During the first phase, each aspirant was asked three core questions, along with a supplementary question, covering key areas such as leadership, governance, commitment to the party, and electability. Candidates were assessed on a five-point scale by the selection committee, which Darboe chairs. The standardized approach, he emphasised, was intended to ensure fairness and consistency across all interviews.
“The interviews have ended successfully for all eleven aspirants,” Darboe said. “Each candidate has shown potential to lead, and we urge everyone involved to maintain a peaceful and unified process, focusing on the party’s shared goals rather than personal disputes.”
The next phase will engage UDP militants across the country. Teams, consisting of one male and one female party official from each region, will distribute forms to collect opinions on the electability of each aspirant. Respondents will score candidates on five areas, including trustworthiness and attitude, using a one-to-five scale.
Results from this nationwide consultation will be combined with interview scores. Aspirants must achieve a minimum of 60 percent from both phases to advance to the final stage, where the top three candidates will be shortlisted.
A 65-member selection committee, alongside two regional representatives from each region, will compile a report recommending the first, second, and third-place candidates. The final three will participate in a dialogue to agree on a single flagbearer for the 2026 presidential election. Should consensus fail, the selection committee and regional representatives will vote to determine the party’s candidate, after which all members will unite behind the chosen aspirant.
The UDP’s structured approach underscores its commitment to transparency and inclusivity as it prepares for the 2026 elections, seeking a candidate who resonates both within the party and with the Gambian electorate.
