Gambia election hopefuls face nomination questions
Two presidential aspirants, Alieu Sowe and Bakusa Dukureh, encountered issues with expired ID and dual citizenship.
Presidential hopefuls Alieu Sowe and Bakusa Dukureh faced eligibility questions when submitting nomination papers for the 2026 election. Independent candidate Sowe, a retired Major, submitted birth certificate and voter's card but owed the D1 million nomination deposit and lacked an income tax clearance certificate. He presented an expired national identity card, citing renewal difficulties, and affirmed Gambian birthright without other nationalities.
Bakusa Dukureh, 48, of the Gambia Labour Party, paid the D1 million deposit but faces scrutiny over dual Gambian and American citizenship, stating he would not renounce his US passport. Dukureh also needs an income tax clearance certificate and to sign the Code of Election Campaign Ethics. National Builders Party leader Ansu Sanneh submitted his papers seven weeks after his party's registration.
Sowe stated his candidacy aims to improve security and allow citizens to move freely with valuables. Sanneh's agenda includes building a new city near the River Gambia and establishing a regional airport in the Upper River Region. His party, registered on September 17, has a development blueprint.
Why it mattersGambian citizens seeking to elect a president in 2026 face questions about candidate eligibility and requirements.