The Gambia's Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) has announced that the presidential election will take place on December 5, 2026. IEC Chairman Joseph Colley stated that the commission has conformed to court decisions by removing 165 names from the electoral register. This move has paved the way for 27 potential candidates to emerge. The electoral calendar indicates that voter registration took place from April 1 to May 14, 2026.
The IEC has confirmed that a total of 1,146,474 voters are registered in the electoral roll, distributed across 1,773 polling stations nationwide. Following a 60-day hearing period for 1,694 appeals, 165 names were removed from the lists in 38 polling stations. These adjustments have been incorporated into the 2021 electoral register, resulting in the current voter count.
The IEC has set the deadline for submitting candidatures from November 3 to 14, 2026. During this period, prospective candidates have 12 days to submit their applications and meet the required legal conditions to run for the presidency. Chairman Colley emphasized that each candidate must fulfill all the conditions stipulated by law.
The electoral process is moving forward, with the IEC scheduled to communicate the deposit schedule for candidates in due course. This will outline the order and dates for submitting their applications. The commission is mandated by Article 43 of the Constitution to organize all public elections and referendums in The Gambia.
In addition to the presidential election, the IEC has set dates for other important polls. The legislative elections will take place on April 10, 2027, while local elections, including municipal councilors, mayors, and council presidents, are scheduled for May 22 and June 26, 2027, respectively.
The IEC's announcement has provided clarity on the electoral timeline, allowing stakeholders to prepare for the upcoming polls. The commission's efforts aim to ensure a smooth and transparent electoral process. With over 1.14 million registered voters, The Gambia is set to hold a significant election on December 5, 2026.
The IEC's work is crucial in promoting democracy and good governance in The Gambia. The commission's commitment to following the electoral calendar and ensuring the integrity of the process is essential for the credibility of the election. As the election approaches, stakeholders will be watching closely to ensure that the process remains fair and transparent.
Key points
- The Gambia's presidential election is set for December 5, 2026, with over 1.14 million registered voters.
- The IEC has set the deadline for submitting candidatures from November 3 to 14, 2026.
- The legislative elections will take place on April 10, 2027, while local elections are scheduled for May 22 and June 26, 2027.
