By Alieu Ceesay
The Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) has confirmed that 1,146,474 voters are now on the final register for The Gambia’s December 5, 2026 presidential election, after court-ordered revisions removed 165 names from the provisional list.
The Commission announced the figure after court proceedings closed and other preparatory steps, including supplementary registration, nomination arrangements, voter-card replacement and polling-staff recruitment. The update provides the clearest picture yet of the electorate that will choose the country’s next president.
A total of 1,694 objections were lodged after the provisional register was shared with political parties in July 2026 and displayed at registration centers nationwide for public scrutiny. Revising courts, established only in regions where objections arose, sat for the full 60 days permitted by law—from 24 August to 24 October 2026—under magistrates appointed by the Chief Justice.
Of the objections considered, the courts struck off 165 names. Kerewan recorded the highest number (75), followed by Janjanbureh (45), Basse (38), Brikama (six) and Kanifing (one). IEC Chairman Joseph Colley said the issuance of the final registers “marks the conclusion of the revising courts’ proceedings, during which objections filed before the courts were heard and determined within the 60 days prescribed by law.”
In line with Section 36(2)(b) of the Elections Act 2025, the Commission will now supply political parties with soft copies of both the master register and the master supplementary register.
Within the coming week, the IEC will assess polling stations across the country to confirm suitability and make any necessary adjustments before election day. Meanwhile, the nomination period for presidential candidates runs from 3 to 14 November 2026. As of the date the schedule was published, 27 aspirants had collected forms; the Commission says logistical arrangements are in place for a smooth and orderly process.
A separate 15-day window to replace lost, damaged, or mutilated voter cards opened free of charge at all ten IEC offices and runs until 15 November. Voters need not return to their original registration centers; every office now holds both the 2021 and 2026 registers.
Accreditation of local and international observers and media practitioners continues, with cards available for collection at Election House in Kanifing. The Commission has already completed polling staff recruitment; it will post the final list at electoral offices before training and deployment.
Colley reiterated the Commission’s stance: “The IEC remains fully committed to execute its mandate independently and impartially, and in strict compliance with the law.” Transparency, integrity, fair play, compliance and inclusivity, he added, will remain central to preparations for the 5 December poll.
Finalizing the register after the court-ordered clean-up is a key milestone. With just over a month remaining, attention now shifts to nomination scrutiny, polling-station readiness and the logistics of election day itself.
