By Ebrima Mbaye
The United Democratic Party (UDP) unveiled an impressive lineup of eleven candidates vying for its flagbearer position at a press briefing held today at the party’s bureau in Manjai. The announcement, made by National President Aji Yamundaw Yabo, follows the closure of applications on September 2, 2025, setting the stage for a highly competitive selection process that challenges the dominance of veteran leader ANM Ousainu Darboe.
The briefing panel included key party figures: Tombong Saidy (Admin, Media, and Communications), Lamin Manneh (Admin Secretary for Foreign Affairs and Diaspora), Honorable Ceesay (National Assembly Member), Haji Suwaneh (National Youth President), and Alhagie S. Darboe (Admin Secretary). The diverse pool of applicants reflects a broad spectrum of backgrounds, from seasoned politicians to professionals, all eager to lead the UDP into the 2026 Presidential election.
The candidates and their application dates are as follows: ANM Ousainu Darboe (Fajara, SG Party Leader, August 26); Lamin Jawara (Businessman, CRR Kaur, September 1); Lamin NS Ceesay (Pakaliba Jarra East, September 1); Borry S. Touray (Lawyer, Jambur, September 1); Talib Ahmed Bensouda (Mayor KMC, Bakoteh, September 1); Amadou Sanneh (National Treasurer, Fajara, September 2); Karamo Fatty (Sponsored National Assembly Member, Pacharr Sanna, Lower Fulladu West, September 2); Sulayman Saho (National Assembly Member, Badibou Salekeni, September 2); Dr. Lamin J. Darboe (Constitutional Lawyer, Gunjur, September 2); Lamin Jobe (Lamin Daranka, September 2); and Dr. Ahmed Danjo (Medical Doctor, Basse, September 2).
Admin Secretary Alhagie S. Darboe outlined the rigorous vetting process, emphasizing transparency and inclusivity. “We will visit upcountry for verification and grassroots observation, engaging party officials in the provinces to hear their views on the applicants,” he said. The vetting will culminate in a comprehensive report, combining grassroots feedback and interview outcomes, to be submitted to the selection committee for shortlisting. The central committee will then select the top three candidates.
To foster unity, a consensus-building panel will engage the shortlisted candidates in dialogue to explore the possibility of a unified candidate. If no consensus is reached, the selection committee—comprising 65 National Executive members and 16 delegates (two from each of the eight administrative areas, representing both genders)—will make the final decision via secret ballot, totaling 81 voters.
The candidate interviews are scheduled for tomorrow, September 4, 2025, at the UDP bureau, starting with Talib Ahmed Bensouda at 10:30 AM and concluding with Borry S. Touray at 4:00 PM. The tightly packed schedule underscores the party’s commitment to an expedited yet thorough selection process.
As the UDP prepares for this crucial decision, the race highlights both the party’s democratic vibrancy and the formidable challenge facing ANM Ousainu Darboe, whose leadership is now contested by a diverse and ambitious field. The outcome will shape the UDP’s strategy and influence its prospects in the upcoming elections.
