Former Kanifing Municipal Council (KMC) Mayor and the flagbearer for the Unite for Integrity, Transformation, and Equity (UNITE Movement for Change), Talib Ahmed Bensouda has submitted his nomination documents to the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC), expressing confidence that he will be cleared to contest the December 2026 presidential election.
“My candidacy is not at threat at all by the government’s White Paper. I am in no way disqualified and, inshallah, the IEC will do the needful and I will be on the ballot box,” he said.
Speaking to journalists shortly after submitting his documents at the Election House, Bensouda dismissed concerns surrounding his eligibility, particularly challenges linked to the government’s White Paper on the findings of the Local Government Commission of Inquiry, insisting that there was no legal basis to disqualify him.
His nomination documents were received by IEC Chairperson Joseph Colley, who explained that the Commission would subject the submitted papers to due diligence before making a final determination on his candidature.
During the verification process, the Commission confirmed receiving 16 required documents, including proof of citizenship, educational qualifications, voter registration, nomination forms, evidence of payment of the required D1 million deposit, asset declaration, income tax clearance, party sponsorship letter, manifesto and campaign itinerary.
Bensouda also presented his resignation letter from the Kanifing Municipal Council, explaining that he had resigned in compliance with constitutional requirements for individuals seeking to contest presidential elections.
The IEC, however, indicated that the signatures and telephone contacts of his nominated supporters would be verified to authenticate their endorsement.
Colley assured that the Commission would conduct its due diligence and communicate its decision to the candidate, adding that any minor shortcomings identified in the documents would be brought to his attention for correction within the nomination period.
Addressing the media, Bensouda described his nomination as a proud moment, expressing hope that the forthcoming election would be peaceful and progressive.
He said The Gambia was founded on the principles of peace, progress and prosperity, with justice serving as the foundation for sustaining those values.
He further pledged to fight poverty and improve the living conditions of Gambians, particularly those struggling with economic hardship.
“To all Gambians, those hurting at home, those suffering from poverty, rest assured that I, Talib Ahmed Bensouda, will be your soldier in the front line to lift you from the darkness and into prosperity and into the light,” he declared.
Bensouda also outlined some of his proposed governance reforms, particularly in the administration of justice, saying his government would separate the office of the Attorney General from the Ministry of Justice.
According to him, the Attorney General should not be a political appointee but should independently oversee the implementation of justice without fear or favor.
On his party’s policy direction, Bensouda said the United Party Coalition had developed a manifesto containing 66 priority actions aimed at transforming the country.
He maintained that the proposals were achievable and that his party intended to accomplish them by 2031, when The Gambia marks 66 years of independence.
Responding to questions about his nearly nine-year leadership at the Kanifing Municipal Council and concerns arising from the Local Government Commission of Inquiry, Bensouda rejected suggestions of personal misconduct.
He argued that the concerns identified by the Commission were largely structural problems within the local government system that required legislative reforms at the national level.
“The only findings are structural problems at local government level that can only be changed at the national level through legislative process which we have been calling for. There is no personal liability or misconduct on my side,” he said.
