Presidential aspirants Alieu Sowe and Bakusa Dukureh faced scrutiny over their eligibility and outstanding requirements as they submitted their nomination papers to the Independent Electoral Commission ahead of the 2026 presidential election. Sowe, a retired Major contesting as an independent candidate, presented his birth certificate, educational documents, voter’s card, nomination forms and a list of at least 5,000 supporters. However, the IEC identified several outstanding requirements, including the D1 million nomination deposit and an income tax clearance certificate.
During the nomination process, Sowe presented an expired national identity card, which raised concerns about his eligibility. He explained that he had not renewed the document due to difficulties people faced obtaining ID cards at the time. Sowe confirmed that he was Gambian by birth and did not hold any other nationality. His decision to contest was driven by the need to address challenges facing the country, particularly security and peace.
Sowe promised that within 30 days of assuming office, Gambians would be able to move around with valuable belongings without fear of criminals. Meanwhile, Gambia Labour Party presidential aspirant Bakusa Dukureh, 48, submitted his credentials after paying the D1 million nomination deposit. Dukureh, who reportedly lived in the United States for 26 years, holds Gambian and American citizenship.
Dukureh was asked whether he was prepared to renounce his American citizenship, but he told journalists that he would not give it up anytime soon. Some of his outstanding requirements included an income tax clearance certificate and signature on the Code of Election Campaign Ethics. National Builders Party leader Ansu Sanneh also submitted his nomination papers, just seven weeks after his party was registered on September 17.
Sanneh's proposed development agenda includes building a new city near the River Gambia, establishing a regional airport in the Upper River Region, additional ferry crossings and affordable housing. At his party’s launch last month, Sanneh said the country could not be built on empty talks, insisting that the NBP had a clear development blueprint.
The IEC is verifying the documents and requirements submitted by the aspirants. The Commission will review the documents to ensure that the aspirants meet the eligibility criteria and requirements for the presidential election. The 2026 presidential election is expected to be a significant event in Gambia's democratic process.
Over 1.1 million Gambians are set to vote in the December presidential election. The election is expected to be a crucial moment for the country's future, with various aspirants vying for the top position. The IEC's verification process will ensure that only eligible candidates participate in the election.
Key points
- Alieu Sowe and Bakusa Dukureh faced scrutiny over their eligibility and outstanding requirements.
- The IEC identified several outstanding requirements for the aspirants, including the D1 million nomination deposit and an income tax clearance certificate.
- Ansu Sanneh's proposed development agenda includes building a new city near the River Gambia and establishing a regional airport in the Upper River Region.
