By Haddy Touray
The Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) has announced stricter verification measures for presidential candidates ahead of The Gambia’s Dec. 5, 2026, presidential election.
The commission has set Nov. 3 to 14 for the nomination of candidates, with nomination forms expected to be available to prospective candidates from Sept. 21.
IEC Chairman Joseph Colley announced the nomination dates on Tuesday during the commission’s monthly stakeholders forum.
Chief Electoral Officer Samboujang Njie outlined the requirements for presidential candidates, including Gambian citizenship by birth, a minimum age of 30 and at least a senior secondary school education.
Candidates must also secure the support of at least 5,000 registered voters, including a minimum of 200 signatures from each administrative area.
Njie said the IEC would strengthen the verification of signatures and voter card numbers to prevent irregularities during the nomination process.
“This time, IEC has the capacity to verify all signatures and voter card numbers and will not hesitate to disqualify any candidate found in breach,” he said.
He said voters endorsing candidates would also be required to provide telephone numbers as part of the nomination documentation to facilitate verification.
Candidates must also submit a sworn declaration of assets, notarised by a justice of the peace or commissioner for oaths using the IEC’s prescribed form, as well as a tax clearance certificate confirming that their obligations to the state have been met.
Each candidate must deposit D1 million into the IEC’s designated bank account and present the deposit slip and official receipt on nomination day.
Njie said cash payments would not be accepted at the nomination venue.
Independent candidates will be subject to the same basic requirements as party-affiliated candidates but must additionally submit a campaign symbol, colour and photographs to the IEC.
Njie reminded political parties and candidates that they are bound by the electoral code of conduct governing campaign activities.
Meanwhile, Colley said revising courts were continuing to hear objections arising from the voter registration process.
He expressed hope that the courts would complete their work within the 60-day period prescribed by law, allowing the IEC to finalise the voter register.
“Pursuant to the constitutionally enshrined principle of separation of powers, the courts are independent, and as such the commission shall not interfere with their deliberations,” Colley said.
The IEC chairman also said the commission had begun training programmes to strengthen preparations for the election.
The first session focused on electoral integrity and the legal framework, while the second addressed election stakeholders. A third training, scheduled for Sept. 21 to 26, will focus on electoral operations and results management.
Participants include representatives of the Inter-Party Committee, civil society organisations, the media, the Gambia Police Force and the Gambia Federation of the Disabled, among others.
Colley said the commission planned to broaden participation in future training programmes to improve stakeholders’ understanding of the key stages of the electoral process.
He said the training was intended to contribute to peaceful, transparent and inclusive elections in December and future electoral cycles.
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