Former Kanifing Municipal Council Mayor and flagbearer for the Unite for Integrity, Transformation, and Equity movement, Talib Ahmed Bensouda, has submitted his nomination documents to the Independent Electoral Commission. He expressed confidence that he will be cleared to contest the December 2026 presidential election. Bensouda dismissed concerns surrounding his eligibility, particularly challenges linked to the government's White Paper on the findings of the Local Government Commission of Inquiry.
Bensouda's nomination documents were received by IEC Chairperson Joseph Colley, who explained that the Commission would subject the submitted papers to due diligence before making a final determination on his candidature. The Commission confirmed receiving 16 required documents, including proof of citizenship, educational qualifications, voter registration, and nomination forms. Bensouda also presented his resignation letter from the Kanifing Municipal Council, explaining that he had resigned in compliance with constitutional requirements for individuals seeking to contest presidential elections.
The IEC indicated that the signatures and telephone contacts of Bensouda's nominated supporters would be verified to authenticate their endorsement. Colley assured that the Commission would conduct its due diligence and communicate its decision to the candidate, adding that any minor shortcomings identified in the documents would be brought to his attention for correction within the nomination period. Bensouda described his nomination as a proud moment, expressing hope that the forthcoming election would be peaceful and progressive.
Bensouda pledged to fight poverty and improve the living conditions of Gambians, particularly those struggling with economic hardship. He outlined some of his proposed governance reforms, particularly in the administration of justice, saying his government would separate the office of the Attorney General from the Ministry of Justice. According to him, the Attorney General should not be a political appointee but should independently oversee the implementation of justice without fear or favor.
Bensouda's party, the United Party Coalition, has developed a manifesto containing 66 priority actions aimed at transforming the country. He maintained that the proposals were achievable and that his party intended to accomplish them by 2031, when The Gambia marks 66 years of independence. Bensouda rejected suggestions of personal misconduct during his nearly nine-year leadership at the Kanifing Municipal Council, arguing that the concerns identified by the Commission were largely structural problems within the local government system.
Bensouda argued that the concerns identified by the Commission required legislative reforms at the national level. He said there was no personal liability or misconduct on his side. The candidate expressed hope that the IEC would do the needful and he would be on the ballot box. Bensouda described The Gambia as a country founded on the principles of peace, progress, and prosperity, with justice serving as the foundation for sustaining those values.
Bensouda concluded by pledging to be a soldier in the front line to lift Gambians from darkness and into prosperity. He said his government would work to address the economic hardship faced by many Gambians. The IEC's decision on Bensouda's candidature is pending, with the Commission set to verify the authenticity of his nomination documents.
Key points
- Bensouda submits nomination documents for presidential election despite concerns over eligibility
- Candidate pledges to fight poverty and improve living conditions for Gambians
- Bensouda proposes separating the office of the Attorney General from the Ministry of Justice
