The Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) of Gambia has commenced the nomination of presidential candidates for the December 5, 2026 election. The process, which runs from November 3 to 14, is being conducted under Section 42 of the Elections Act 2025. This act requires aspirants to provide proof of a D1 million deposit into an IEC-designated account, among other requirements. The exercise is taking place at the IEC headquarters in Kanifing.
On the first day of the nomination process, the IEC received formal communication from the All-Inclusive Party that it would not present its presidential aspirant as scheduled. Although the reasons for the withdrawal were not disclosed, the Commission stated it remains ready to receive other aspirants in line with the published timetable. This development marks an early shift in the field of contenders as parties rush to comply with the new electoral law.
Independent aspirant Salieu Jallow appeared before the Commission but faced a setback after failing to meet the D1 million deposit requirement. Jallow claimed he misunderstood the process, believing the payment was to be made directly at the IEC rather than into a designated bank account. Consequently, he was unable to complete his nomination. The IEC's requirement for a deposit has been a subject of public debate since its enactment.
Modou Lamin Sima, the presidential aspirant for the Alliance of Progressive Citizens, submitted his papers but encountered trouble after presenting photocopies of his citizenship documents instead of originals. IEC Chairman Joseph Colley informed Sima that the Commission requires original documents and warned that his nomination could be rejected if he fails to comply with the Elections Act. Sima is expected to return with the original documents before the close of the nomination window.
Sima outlined his development agenda, stating that if elected, he would address unemployment, the health sector, agriculture, tourism, and other sectors. He emphasized that his party is development-oriented and that their manifesto is development-focused. This highlights the varied visions that aspirants are presenting as they navigate the nomination process under the revised electoral framework.
The opening day of the nomination process highlighted a tightened compliance regime under the Elections Act 2025, with the IEC insisting on original documentation and proof of deposit. The D1 million deposit requirement has been a point of contention, with proponents arguing it ensures seriousness and helps defray electoral costs, while critics claim it raises barriers for independents and smaller parties.
The IEC will continue receiving aspirants throughout the week, with verification of documents, citizenship, voter registration, and deposit receipts determining eligibility. The December 5 election will be the first under the revised electoral framework, which raises thresholds for candidate nomination and party registration. Attention now turns to whether the All-Inclusive Party will re-file within the nomination period or formally exit the presidential race.
Key points
- The IEC's nomination process for the December 5, 2026 election has begun, with one party withdrawing and two aspirants facing setbacks.
- The process is being conducted under the Elections Act 2025, which requires a D1 million deposit and original documentation.
- The IEC will continue to receive aspirants throughout the week, with eligibility determined by verification of documents and other requirements.
