By: Alieu Ceesay
Several presidential aspirants submitted credentials to the Independent Electoral Commission this week ahead of Gambia’s December polls, with disclosures that immediately raised questions about eligibility and readiness.
Bakusa Dukureh, leader of the Gambia Labor Party, presented his nomination papers and openly informed the Commission that he holds dual citizenship as both a Gambian and an American citizen. He told officials he has no intention of renouncing the American citizenship “anytime and anywhere soon.” The admission matters because Gambia’s Constitution bars dual nationals from contesting the presidency. Legal observers note that the Commission may still need to determine whether Dukureh’s status automatically disqualifies him or whether further clarification is required before his name can be accepted on the final ballot.
On the same day, retired Armed Forces Major Alieu Sowe, 52, also tendered his documents. Commission staff observed that his National Identity Card has expired and that he has not yet paid the mandatory one-million-dalasi nomination fee. Sowe’s campaign has not announced a party color or affiliation. Speaking after the submission, the former major said he intends to draw on his military background if elected. “I’m somebody who was an army officer. I know the security situation in the Gambia, and I can address it with my professionalism,” he told the Commission. He offered no further details on specific security reforms.
The National Builders Party closed its nomination process on Thursday. Party leader Ansu Sanneh outlined a platform focused on education, health care, agriculture and infrastructure. He specifically highlighted plans to construct a new airport and multiple ferry terminals to improve connectivity across the riverine country. Sanneh framed the projects as essential for boosting trade, tourism and internal mobility, though he provided no timelines or financing details.
With the nomination window now narrowing, the Independent Electoral Commission is expected to verify documents, confirm fee payments and apply constitutional eligibility rules in the coming days. The dual-citizenship disclosure, the expired identity document and the ambitious infrastructure pledges have already drawn public attention as voters begin to assess the field of candidates for the December election.
