President Adama Barrow and opposition leader Ousainou Darboe are among those approved to contest the Dec. 5 poll, while other nominations remain under review

The Gambia’s Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) has approved five presidential aspirants for the Dec. 5, 2026, election, including incumbent President Adama Barrow, as the nomination process continues.

Five candidates cleared

The five candidates whose papers have been accepted are Barrow of the National People’s Party, opposition leader A.N.M. Ousainou Darboe of the United Democratic Party, Talib Ahmed Bensouda of UNITE, independent candidate Isatou Touray and Modou Lamin Sima of the Alliance of Progressive Citizens.

The IEC announced the partial list on Nov. 12, after reviewing the candidates’ nomination documents.

Touray’s approval makes her the first woman to receive official clearance to contest a presidential election in The Gambia.

Five more under review

Five other aspirants were still undergoing review, including independent candidates Bakary K. Badjie, Lamin J. Darbo and Almameh Gibba, as well as Papa Secka and Ebrima Tabora Manneh of the People’s Alliance Party.

Some were required to submit additional signatures from registered voters or complete other verification requirements.

Two nominations rejected

The commission also rejected the nominations of Bakusa Dukureh of the Gambia Labour Party and Kebba Bojang of the National Democratic Party.

Dukureh’s application was rejected partly because of his acknowledged dual nationality and concerns over the authenticity of his educational qualifications.

Nominations close Nov. 14

The IEC began receiving nomination papers on Nov. 3, with the process scheduled to close on Nov. 14. The commission is expected to provide further updates as it completes the examination of outstanding applications.