Coalition 2026 presidential candidate Talib Ahmed Bensouda on Saturday formally submitted his nomination papers to the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC), insisting that there are no legal grounds to prevent him from contesting the December 5 presidential election.
Speaking to journalists shortly after filing his nomination, Mr. Bensouda dismissed suggestions that the government’s White Paper on the Local Government Commission of Inquiry could jeopardize his candidacy.
He maintained that his eligibility to run for the country’s highest office remains intact and expressed confidence that the IEC would process his nomination in accordance with the law.
“I am confident that the Independent Electoral Commission will do what is required under the law and that my name will be on the ballot,” he said.
Mr. Bensouda argued that any attempt to bar him from the presidential race without a lawful basis would undermine the democratic values and rule of law on which The Gambia is founded.
“Today is a proud moment where I submit my nomination papers as a candidate for the President of the Republic of The Gambia. As we all know, this country was built on the foundations of peace, progress and prosperity. And justice is the glue for these principles,” he stated.
The Coalition 2026 flagbearer also called for a peaceful, transparent and credible electoral process, urging the IEC to uphold its constitutional mandate and safeguard democratic principles throughout the election period.
The issue of Mr. Bensouda’s eligibility has been the subject of public debate following the government’s White Paper on the Local Government Commission of Inquiry, which recommended his removal as Mayor of the Kanifing Municipal Council (KMC).
Despite the controversy, Mr. Bensouda remains adamant that the recommendations contained in the White Paper do not constitute legal grounds for his disqualification from the presidential contest.
The IEC is currently receiving and processing nominations from candidates seeking to participate in the December 5 presidential election. The commission is expected to determine the validity of nominations in line with the country’s electoral laws and constitutional provisions.
