United Party (The Gambia)

The United Party was a political party in the Gambia. The party was founded during the colonial period and worked political in the then colony of Bathurst (the present capital of the Gambia, Banjul).^[1] The party drew support mainly from Roman Catholics.^[2] In Banjul it had support mainly amongst the Wolofs, in the rural areas mainly amongst Fulas.^[1] The party was led by P. S. Njie.^[3]

In 1963, the People's Progressive Party and DCA invited UP to join the government. After two years, the party left the government. Its position as an opposition party had declined, though. In 1970, the party suffered a heavy blow as its leader joined the PPP.^[1]

During the 1970s and 1980s the party strongly opposed a union with Senegal.^[4]

Election results[1]

Year	% of votes	Seats
1966	8	33.37%[5]
1971	4	15.69%
1977	2	[6]
1982	0	2.88%
1987	0	[6]
1992	0	1.43%

References

1. "Democracy in The Gambia by Carlene J Edie" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on 2006-09-27. Retrieved 2008-01-04.
2. Encounter with Oko Drammeh - Daily Observer
3. Arts and Culture
4. "Gambia - Dates of Elections: April 4 and 5, 1977" (PDF).
5. DCA candidates contested as UP candidates, and are included in total
6. Contested as NCP candidates