The development follows a press release purportedly from the IEC that went viral on social media on Wednesday. It claimed the commission rejected UNITE’s registration because Mayor Talib Ahmed Bensouda remained an active member of the UDP.
“The Independent Electoral Commission hereby informs the general public that the registration process of the UMC remains pending because the person whose name is being used by the party as its leader is still an active member of the UDP,” the fake release read.
IEC Communications Officer Pa Makan Khan distanced the commission from the document. “Not authentic. This is fake. Please visit the official IEC social media platforms for timely and accurate information,” he told The Point.
When asked about UNITE’s status, he said he would not comment until the IEC issued an official statement.
However, a senior UNITE member confirmed to The Point that the party is among those approved by the IEC.
Mayor Bensouda formed the Unite Movement for Change (UMC) after breaking away from the main opposition United Democratic Party (UDP). The movement has since positioned itself as a reformist, youth-driven platform aiming to contest the 2026 presidential election.
In December 2025, Mayor Bensouda submitted UNITE’s registration papers to the IEC with a reported 30,000 voter signatures. In April 2026, the IEC asked the party to revise its application. IEC spokesperson Pa Makan Khan said the initial paperwork fell short of administrative and statutory requirements under the Elections Act.
By May 2026, UNITE spokesperson Kemo Bojang confirmed all corrections and legal feedback on the voter list had been addressed and resubmitted.
Under Gambian electoral law, UNITE remains a national political movement until the IEC issues formal certification. Only then can it legally field a candidate for the 2026 presidential ballot.
