Gambiaj.com – (BANJUL, THE GAMBIA) – The Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) has confirmed nine candidates for The Gambia’s December 5, 2026 presidential election, bringing the nomination process to a close ahead of the official start of campaigning on November 16.
In a statement issued on Saturday, the Commission published the final list of candidates following the nomination exercise, which ran from November 3 to 14.
The confirmed candidates include incumbent President Adama Barrow of the National People’s Party (NPP), opposition leader A.N.M. Ousainu Darboe of the United Democratic Party (UDP), and former Kanifing Municipal Council mayor Talib Ahmed Bensouda, who is representing the Unite for Nation, Integrity, Transformation, and Equality (UNITE) movement.
The list also features Isatou Touray, the only female candidate, who is contesting as an independent, alongside Modou Lamin Sima of the Alliance of Progressive Citizens and Ebrima Tabora Manneh of the People’s Alliance Party.
The other candidates are Lamine J. Darbo and Almameh Gibba, both independents, and Ansu Sanneh of the National Builders Party.
The confirmation of the nine candidates marks the end of a nomination process that saw several aspiring candidates and political parties fail to secure places on the final ballot, either after withdrawing or following issues with their submissions.
With the final list now established, attention shifts to the campaign period, which is scheduled to begin on November 16 and run until December 3, two days before voters go to the polls.
The IEC said it would harmonize and reconcile the campaign programs of the approved candidates on Sunday, November 15, as part of preparations to ensure an orderly and peaceful campaign.
The Commission, in collaboration with International IDEA, will also organize the signing of a Peace Pact by the candidates or their representatives on Monday, November 16, at the Sir Dawda Kairaba Jawara International Conference Center.
The IEC called on all candidates and their supporters to conduct their campaigns in accordance with electoral laws, urging political stakeholders to contribute to a peaceful electoral environment.
It also thanked political parties and other stakeholders who participated in the nomination process, reaffirming its commitment to transparency, accountability, and fairness throughout the electoral process.
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