Gambia election aspirants face nomination hurdles
Two presidential hopefuls encountered issues with expired IDs and dual citizenship requirements.
Presidential aspirants Alieu Sowe and Bakusa Dukureh faced eligibility questions as they submitted nomination papers for the 2026 election. Sowe, an independent candidate, presented his birth certificate and voter’s card but had an expired national identity card and outstanding financial and administrative requirements, including a D1 million deposit. Dukureh, who holds dual Gambian and American citizenship, submitted his papers after paying the deposit but was asked about renouncing his US nationality.
The Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) identified several missing items for Sowe, such as an income tax clearance certificate and campaign itinerary, and requested corrections to documents identifying him as a retired Major and listing a sponsoring organisation. Sowe stated he had not renewed his ID due to difficulties obtaining cards and affirmed he was Gambian by birth. Dukureh, 48, has lived in the United States for 26 years and also needed to submit an income tax clearance certificate and sign the Code of Election Campaign Ethics.
National Builders Party leader Ansu Sanneh also submitted his nomination papers seven weeks after his party's registration. Sanneh's agenda includes building a new city and establishing a regional airport. He stated his party has a clear development blueprint to build the country.
Why it mattersPresidential aspirants in Gambia are facing scrutiny over their eligibility and required documentation for the upcoming 2026 election.