Presidential Election Nominations Progress as Deadline Approaches
The Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) has confirmed that 18 out of the 27 individuals who collected nomination papers for the upcoming presidential election on December 5 have successfully submitted their documents by the conclusion of the ninth day of the nomination period. Notably, nine aspirants have withdrawn from the process without submitting their papers.
Nominations Timeline and Withdrawal Details
The nomination phase commenced on November 3 and is set to conclude on November 14. As it stands, the IEC reported that submissions totaling 18 were received by Day 9.
Among the nine who chose to withdraw were representatives from the All Inclusive Party, Gambia Action Party, and National Unity Party, as well as independent candidates Musa Jallow, Ismaila Jobe, Alkali Cham, Sheikh Matarr Nyang, Omar Mbye, and Fabakary Jammeh.
Pending Submissions and Financial Obligations
According to the IEC, six submitted papers are pending due to the absence of the requisite D1 million deposit. These pending submissions are from the Democratic Party and independent candidates: Salieu Jallow, Alieu Sowe, Joseph Henry Joof, Abdou Dampha, and Papa Secka. Following this, the Democratic Party has officially withdrawn from the nomination process.
Verification Status of Aspirants
The nomination from Bakusa Dukureh of the Gambia Labour Party remains unresolved as the IEC stated that his dual citizenship status is under scrutiny, along with the verification of his senior secondary school certificate.
The IEC has reported that several aspirants’ documents have either been processed or are currently under review, though some candidates still need to complete signature requirements or other checks.
Aspirants’ Signature Requirements
Modou Lamin Sima from the Alliance of Progressive Citizens requires an additional 1,040 registered voter signatures to meet the total requirement of 5,000. In contrast, independent aspirant Isatou Touray’s submission has been processed, requiring no further documentation.
Ansu Sanneh of the National Builders Party is short by 144 signatures from Banjul, 23 from Basse, and 379 nationally. The IEC is also verifying his citizenship.
Kebba Bojang of the National Democratic Party needs five additional signatures from Banjul, 21 from Kanifing, as well as 1,914 nationally, with his secondary school certificate also pending verification.
Independent aspirant Bakary K. Badjie requires 125 more signatures from Banjul, 36 from Kanifing, 110 from Kerewan, 127 from Mansakonko, 44 from Janjanbureh, and a substantial total of 2,310 signatures nationally.
The IEC confirmed that Talib Ahmed Bensouda from the United Party does not need to submit any further paperwork.
Ebrima Tabora Manneh of the People’s Alliance Party is currently short by 57 signatures from Kanifing, eight from Mansakonko, three from Janjanbureh, and 1,507 nationally.
Processing of Prominent Candidates’ Papers
The IEC confirmed that the nominations from UDP leader Ousainu Darboe and National People’s Party head Adama Barrow have been processed, with no additional documents or signatures required from either candidate. Meanwhile, the submissions from independent candidates Lamin J. Darbo and Almameh Gibba are still under review.
Continued Updates from the IEC
The IEC has committed to providing ongoing updates about submissions and necessary corrections throughout the nomination process. Acceptance of nominations for qualified candidates is slated for announcement on Thursday, November 12, at 3 p.m.
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