Dr Isatou Touray has made history as the first female aspirant to receive formal acceptance from the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) to contest Gambia's December 5, 2026 presidential election. She submitted her nomination papers to the IEC on November 4, 2026, and after verification, her nomination was accepted. This marks a significant moment for women's political representation in the country.
Dr Touray, who served as Vice President under President Adama Barrow from March 2019 until May 2022, is running as an independent candidate. Her entry into the race is significant given the longstanding underrepresentation of women in the country's highest political office. Although women have played important roles in national development, governance, and political mobilisation, their participation in presidential contests has remained limited.
Dr Touray previously made history in 2016 when she became the first woman to seek the Gambian presidency. However, she subsequently withdrew from that race to support the coalition that eventually brought President Barrow to power. Her return to the presidential contest represents another milestone in her political journey.
During her nomination exercise at the IEC headquarters, Dr Touray said she was entering the race with humility, a sense of responsibility, and a commitment to the Gambian people. She acknowledged her role in the Barrow administration, accepting responsibility for both its achievements and shortcomings.
Dr Touray raised several issues, including the failure to deliver promised constitutional reforms following the 2016 political transition. She emphasised the need for accountable leadership and development that improves the lives of ordinary Gambians, particularly young people, women, farmers, and rural communities.
The December 5 presidential election will provide Dr Touray with an opportunity to present her vision to the electorate as she joins other qualified aspirants seeking the country's highest office. Her acceptance brings renewed attention to women's participation in political leadership and the importance of creating opportunities for women to compete for the highest public offices.
The IEC's acceptance of Dr Touray's nomination paves the way for her to contest the December polls, marking a significant step towards increasing women's representation in Gambia's politics. The election is expected to be closely watched, with the European Union deploying 16 long-term observers across Gambia ahead of the polls.
Key points
- Dr Isatou Touray is the first woman to be accepted as a candidate in Gambia's presidential election.
- Dr Touray previously ran for president in 2016 but withdrew to support President Adama Barrow's coalition.
- The December 5 presidential election is an opportunity for Dr Touray to present her vision to the electorate.
