Another opposition coalition imminent As NCP and NRP discuss modalities

Reports reaching The Independent indicate that the National Convention Party
(NCP) and the National Reconciliation Party (NRP) are meeting behind the
scenes to launch their own coalition in the run-up to the October's polls.
The two parties who are not part of the newly formed coalition of opposition
parties which adopted the United Democratic Party leader Ousainou Darboe as
their presidential flag bearer, are said to be nearer to forming their own
coalition. According to reports the two parties were prompted to the set up
their own coalition after they felt a sense of betrayal in the adoption of
the UDP leader as the coalition flag bearer which they all have been
advocating for immediately after the repeal of Degree 89 by President
Jammeh.

When contacted to shed mote light on the issue the NRP leader Hamat Bah
confirmed the story adding that advance discussions are currently going on
between the two parties for the formation of a coalition. He however
declined to dilate further. According to him, a committee of the two parties
has been set up which he said is working on some recommendations that would
be finalized in days to come. He added that the failure of some of the
opposition parties to join the GPP, PPP, and UDP coalition should not be
used to justify that the opposition parties are disjoined hence according to
him the most important thing is that people should join them and flush out
the APRC from power.

On his part the NCP leader Sheriff Mustapha Dibba also confirmed the story
adding that his party was looking into the possibilities of forming an
alliance with the NRP. He added that the discussions are currently in
progress but it would be difficult for him to predict their out come, hence
according to him the success for an opposition break-through depends on the
two parties. Asked whether their decision to form a coalition is not a
challenge to the already formed UDP/PPP coalition Mr. Dibba responded in the
negative adding that both of them should be seen as contenders for the
October elections.



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