Talib Ahmed Bensouda of UNITE and independent candidate Dr Isatou Touray are among five presidential aspirants whose nomination papers have been approved by the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) ahead of the December 5 presidential election.
The other three are Modou Lamin Sima of the Alliance of Progressive Citizens (APC), Ousainou ANM Darboe of the UDP, and Adama Barrow of the NPP.
The IEC announced the acceptance of their nomination papers during an update on the ongoing nomination process, which started on November 3 and is expected to end on November 14, 2026.
According to the Commission, the nomination papers submitted by all five aspirants were found to be in order and subsequently accepted.
Their acceptance marks a significant step in their bid to contest the December 5 presidential election as the electoral body continues examining submissions from other aspiring candidates.
The Commission explained that while the five candidates had fulfilled the requirements for their nominations to be accepted, several other aspirants were still required to provide additional signatures from registered voters or undergo further verification.
The IEC said the nomination process remains ongoing and that further updates will be provided as the examination of the remaining submissions continues.
The acceptance of the five candidates comes as political parties and independent aspirants prepare for the December polls, which will determine the country’s next president.
