Parties, groups, or individuals with history of at least a seat in the National Assembly or local gov’t should be given respect and proportionate quota. Those without history of significant representation or public pull can be part of the talks, but given a voice commensurate to political capital.

The coalition talk is suffering the dangers of party politics at the moment. And nobody wants to listen to anybody but party interest. This is why we have been calling for a neutral flag-bearer.

But other parties can also look at UDP’s Dr. Lamin Manneh, Lare Ceesay, Lamin Komma, and say “Given the dire circumstances, please lead.” That shouldn’t be any problem if we think critically.

The new parties without voting history of import need to recognize UDP’s role. UDP in turn need to find a way to make others feel more comfortable and approachable. Please stop saying, “UDP is the only solution!” That’s not only nonsense. It’s also anti-unity!

How can you call for unity at the same time discount or write off others while asking them to come join you? That’s not a coalition! That’s simply a call for defection of people from other groups to join your ranks.

Left to our philosophy, there wouldn’t be party politics in a small country like Gambia. Everyone would be an independent candidate! What exactly have we benefitted from party politics except division, hatred, bitter contention, and all other anti-prosperity results?

Anybody leading the coalition should sign and put agreements into writing with all other parties. The writing should be notarized and court-binding to provide a Barrow or Diomaye proof. Also, the flag-bearer, if Muslim should hold the Qur’aan an invoke the wrath of Allaah if promises are not kept.