Former Vice President Dr. Isatou Touray has formally filed her nomination papers with the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) as an independent presidential aspirant. This move sets up a direct contest against her former boss, President Adama Barrow. Touray served as Vice President from 15 March 2019 until her removal in a cabinet reshuffle on 4 May 2022.
On the same day, Democratic Party aspirant Yusupha A. Dumbuya also filed his papers. However, the Gambia Action Party informed the IEC that it would not be available for nomination as scheduled. Touray was initially appointed Vice President to replace Ousainou Darboe, leader of the opposition United Democratic Party (UDP). Darboe is also expected to file his nomination papers in the coming days.
After filing her nomination papers, Touray expressed her gratitude to the IEC and her supporters. She accepted the nomination with humility, a deep sense of responsibility, and an unwavering commitment to the people of The Gambia. However, she noted that her nomination is not yet final, as she has been asked to submit proof of secondary education. The IEC is expected to make a decision within two days.
Rather than distance herself from the Barrow administration, Touray chose to acknowledge her role in the government. She stated that she served as Vice President under President Barrow and accepts her share of responsibility for the government's achievements and failures. This approach framed her critique of unfulfilled transition promises, including the 2016 coalition's commitment to a three-year transitional presidency.
Touray recalled that the coalition's commitment to a three-year transitional presidency was abandoned in favour of a full five-year term. She also noted that President Barrow later supported a two-term limit, but constitutional reform failed, and the country was left without the promised safeguards. The dispute over whether term limits should apply retrospectively was central to the failure of the 2020 draft constitution.
Touray linked the failure of constitutional reform to daily life, stating that many poor and rural families still see no meaningful improvement in livelihoods and services. She argued that development must be measured not by headline figures but by whether people can feel the difference. This, she believes, is crucial for the country's young people, who are looking for genuine opportunities at home.
Touray's test will now move from the IEC filing desk to voters, as she seeks to distinguish herself from the government she once helped lead. Her message of shared responsibility and commitment to the people of The Gambia will be put to the test. The outcome will determine whether her approach can garner support from voters.
Key points
- Dr. Isatou Touray files nomination papers as an independent presidential aspirant.
- Touray served as Vice President under President Adama Barrow from 2019 to 2022.
- Touray's nomination sets up a contest against President Barrow in the upcoming presidential election.
