GAMBIA CLEARS FIVE CANDIDATES FOR DECEMBER PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION AS BARROW SEEKS THIRD TERM
The Gambia has confirmed five presidential contenders for its December 5 election, setting the stage for a political contest involving incumbent Adama Barrow, veteran opposition leader Ousainou Darboe and a popular younger challenger, Talib Ahmed Bensouda.
Abuja, Nigeria — ABUJA, NIGERIA – The race for the presidency in The Gambia is gathering momentum following the approval of five candidates by the country's Independent Electoral Commission ahead of the December 5, 2026 election.
Among those cleared to contest is incumbent President Adama Barrow, who is seeking another five-year term after first taking office in 2016.
The other approved candidates are Ousainou ANM Darboe of the United Democratic Party, youth politician Talib Ahmed Bensouda of the UNITE Party, independent candidate Dr Isatou Touray, and Modou Lamin Sima of the Alliance of Progressive Citizens.
The electoral commission announced the approvals on Thursday, November 12, following its examination of nomination documents submitted by aspiring candidates.
Barrow's decision to pursue a third term has attracted political attention, particularly because of earlier expectations that he would not seek another mandate. Although attempts to introduce presidential term limits through constitutional reforms have failed twice, the country's 1997 Constitution does not currently impose a limit on the number of presidential terms.
Darboe, a former vice-president and leader of the main opposition party, is making another attempt to win the presidency after finishing second in his previous election contests.
Bensouda, meanwhile, has emerged as a prominent figure among younger Gambians. The former mayor of Kanifing Municipality resigned from his position last week to concentrate on his presidential campaign.
His candidacy had faced uncertainty following a government report that accused him of financial misconduct during his time in office. His political movement dismissed the allegations as an attempt to undermine his political ambitions. However, the electoral commission has accepted his nomination papers.
The campaign period is expected to begin on Monday, November 16, and run for two weeks before voters head to the polls.
The electoral commission has indicated that the nomination process is continuing, meaning further updates may follow before the final list is established.
The December election will be another important test of The Gambia's democratic transition, which began in 2016 after former President Yahya Jammeh left power following 22 years in office.
