Former Vice President Fatoumata Jallow Tambajang withdrew from today’s Coalition 2026 Committee election process before voting began, citing unresolved allegations of a lack of transparency that she said threatened the integrity of the proceedings.
Tambajang, who had been mediating the committee’s work, had earlier urged members to postpone the vote. She proposed establishing an independent panel to investigate claims raised by one stakeholder, arguing that such a step aligned with international standards and would protect the credibility of both the committee and the electoral process.
The committee rejected the proposal. Tambajang then chose to step aside, stating that the allegations had been directed at the committee and at her personally in her mediating role. She said she could not remain associated with a process whose transparency and legitimacy had been called into question.
Despite exiting the election, Tambajang stressed she remains fully committed to the broader goal of forging a united Coalition 2026. She believes sustained dialogue and a credible process are essential so that all stakeholders can enter the December elections together. A united front, she argued, offers the strongest chance of electoral success.
Her decision, she emphasized, was taken in good faith to safeguard the integrity of the mediation effort while keeping open the path of reconciliation and collective action.
The Coalition 2026 process aims to consolidate opposition forces ahead of national polls later this year. Tambajang’s withdrawal marks a notable moment in the ongoing efforts to build consensus among stakeholders.
