By Christian Alpha Conteh
Gambia’s Independent Electoral Commission has officially announced the names of candidates who have fulfilled the requirements to run for president in the country’s December 2021 Presidential Election.
President Adama Barrow of the NPP who is seeking re-election will go head-to-head with main opposition leader Ousainu Darboe of the UDP, other contenders in the race include GDCs Mamma Kandeh, PDOIS Halifa Sallah, NUPs Abdoulie Jammeh and Independent candidate Essa M Faal, who have all qualified to run for president.
According to Alieu Momarr Njai Independent Electoral Officer, “Following the successful completion of the nomination of candidates for the contest of the Presidential Election of the 4th December 2021 and after a thorough and careful review of all the nomination papers submitted to the Independent Electoral Commission by the various aspirants, I hereby give the outcome of the nomination of candidates.”
This follows the successful completion of the nomination process which lasted between 30th October to 5th November 2021 at the IEC Election House.
Matthew Gomez, Tamsir M Jassey and Mamadou Bah all independent candidates and the GFA and APP candidates cancelled their nominations earlier this week.
Joseph Henry Joof (Independent), Marie Sock (the only female candidate, Independent), Alhaji Mamadi Kurang (independent), Ebrima Tabora Manneh(independent), Momodou Bah (independent), Bankole Yao Jojo Ahadzie (the Independent rasta candidate), ANRD Lamin Satou Bojang, GMC Mai Ahmed Fatty, Mamadi Camara (independent), CA Ishmaila Ceesay, GANU Sheik Tijan Hydara, GAP Alieu Sowe, Sheikh Matarr Nyang (Independent, Papa Faal (Independent) and Yusupha Dumbuya were all disqualified.
Reasons for their disqualification includes forgery in contravention of Section 12 (a), of the Elections Act, failure to submit the Legally required number of support to nomination by registered voters 42 (2)(a), not submitting asset declaration form as per Section 42(7) of the Elections Act among others.
Intense campaigns are expected to start on Tuesday 9th November 2021
