The Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) has announced that it will issue formal acceptance of nomination to qualified presidential candidates on Thursday, November 12, 2026, at 3pm, following the ongoing review and verification of nomination papers.
The announcement was made during an update on the status of aspiring candidates, with the Commission outlining those whose nominations have been processed, those required to submit additional documents or signatures, and others whose papers are still under review.
The IEC said several aspiring candidates had successfully completed their nomination requirements and would not be required to provide additional documentation or signatures.
They include Talib Ahmed Bensouda of Unite, United Democratic Party leader ANM Ousainu Darboe and National Peopleβs Party candidate Adama Barrow.
However, some candidates are still required to meet outstanding requirements before their nominations can be accepted.
Kebba Bojang of the National Democratic Party, for instance, is undergoing further verification of his senior secondary school certificate and must submit an additional 1,914 registered votersβ signatures to meet the national threshold.
Bakary K Badjie, an independent aspirant, is required to provide 2,310 additional signatures nationally, alongside outstanding signatures from several administrative areas.
Ibrahima Tabora Manneh of the Peopleβs Alliance Party must submit 1,507 additional national signatures, while the Alliance of Progressive Citizens candidate is short of 1,040 signatures.
The Commission also said the Gambia Labour Partyβs submission had not been processed following its aspiring candidate, publicly acknowledging dual nationality. His senior secondary school certificate has also been forwarded to the relevant authorities for verification.
Meanwhile, the Democratic Party has formally withdrawn from the presidential race, while several independent aspirants have also withdrawn.
The IEC said it would continue updating the public on nominations processed and outstanding requirements.
The announcement of formal acceptance on Thursday is expected to provide further clarity on the candidates who have successfully met the legal requirements to contest the December 5 presidential election.
