Speaking at a press briefing yesterday at the UDP bureau in Manjai, Alhagie S. Darboe, the National Assembly Minority Leader and Brikama North lawmaker who also serves as the party’s senior administrative secretary, confirmed that all aspirants will be interviewed at the bureau, beginning at 10:30 a.m.
Darboe explained that the selection process is guided by the UDP Constitution, which mandates transparency and inclusivity. The procedure, he said, will involve not only structured interviews but also nationwide grassroots consultations to gauge members’ perspectives and evaluate each aspirant’s loyalty to the party, leadership capacity, and moral standing.
He further disclosed that the Council of Elders will hold dialogue sessions with the aspirants in a bid to build consensus around a single flagbearer who reflects the party’s unity, vision, and values.
Should consensus prove elusive, he said, the party’s constitution allows for an election to be conducted by the National Executive Committee (NEC), which comprises 65 members along with two representatives from each of the eight regions.
Darboe reaffirmed the UDP’s commitment to democratic values, transparency, and unity as the party undertakes this pivotal decision ahead of the 2026 polls.
According to the schedule, Talib Ahmed Bensouda will open the interview session at 10:30 a.m., followed by Lamin N. S. Ceesay, Dr Muhammed Danjo, Lamin J. Darboe, and Ousainou A. N. M. Darboe before the lunch break.
The afternoon session will feature Karama Fatty, Lamin Jawara, Lamin Jobe, Sulayman Saho, Amadou Sanneh, and Borry S. Touray, with proceedings expected to conclude by 4:30 p.m.
