On November 9, Ousainou Darboe, the 78-year-old leader of the United Democratic Party (UDP), officially submitted his candidacy for the December 5, 2026, Gambian presidential election. Darboe, a historic opposition figure, is vying for the presidency for the sixth time, aiming to challenge incumbent President Adama Barrow. He was accompanied by thousands of supporters clad in yellow, the UDP's signature color.
Darboe presented his candidacy documents to the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) chairman, Joseph Colley. The documents included proof of citizenship, tax regularity, a declaration of assets, educational certificates, a one-million dalasi deposit, and the required 5,000 sponsorship signatures. This marks Darboe's sixth attempt to attain the presidency, following previous unsuccessful bids in 1996, 2001, 2006, 2011, and 2021.
A prominent figure in Gambian opposition, Darboe has experienced imprisonment under Yahya Jammeh's regime and later supported Adama Barrow in the 2016 presidential election. After Barrow's ascension to power, Darboe joined his government, serving as Minister of Foreign Affairs and later as Vice President. However, their political alliance ended in 2019. Darboe has now termed this candidacy as his last attempt to seize power.
Upon submitting his candidacy, Darboe urged voters to prioritize development programs and promised to combat corruption and revitalize the national economy if elected. He also criticized the country's socio-economic situation, particularly the challenges faced by young people, including perilous migrations to Europe. Darboe views these migrations as a reflection of the inadequacies of public policies on employment and economic prospects.
The December 5 presidential election appears highly contested amid a reconfiguration of political alliances. The ruling National People's Party (NPP) has secured endorsements from the Gambia Democratic Congress (GDC) led by Mamma Kandeh and lawyer Essa Faal, both of whom participated in the previous presidential competition. The IEC has assured that the process of receiving and examining candidatures is proceeding according to schedule.
The IEC has set a deadline for candidacy submissions from November 3 to 14, followed by the validation of candidatures and the electoral campaign. Darboe's candidacy has garnered significant attention, given his stature as a long-standing opposition leader. His campaign will likely focus on addressing the country's pressing socio-economic issues and his vision for Gambia's future.
As the election approaches, Gambian voters will weigh their options, considering the manifestos and track records of the candidates. Darboe's extensive political experience and past roles in government may influence voter perceptions. The IEC's impartiality and the transparency of the electoral process will be crucial in ensuring a fair and credible election outcome.
Key points
- Ousainou Darboe, 78, submits candidacy for Gambia's December 5 presidential election
- Darboe aims to challenge incumbent President Adama Barrow
- The election is set to be highly contested amid shifting political alliances
