Gambia’s main opposition leader, Ousainou Darboe, has formally submitted his nomination papers for the December 5, 2026 presidential election, setting up a potential contest against incumbent President Adama Barrow.
The 78-year-old leader of the United Democratic Party (UDP) submitted his documents to Independent Electoral Commission chairman Joseph Colley on Monday, accompanied by thousands of party supporters dressed in the UDP’s signature yellow.
His application includes proof of citizenship and tax compliance, an asset declaration, academic records, a deposit of one million dalasis and 5,000 voter signatures required under the Constitution.
The bid marks Darboe’s sixth attempt at the presidency, following unsuccessful campaigns in 1996, 2001, 2006, 2011 and 2021. A longstanding opposition figure, he was imprisoned under former president Yahya Jammeh before the 2016 election, which brought Barrow to power with UDP backing.
Darboe later served in Barrow’s government as foreign minister and vice-president before the two leaders fell out in 2019. After submitting his latest bid, he described it as his final attempt to become president and pledged to tackle corruption and improve the country’s economic and social conditions if elected.
The Independent Electoral Commission said it was halfway through receiving nomination applications and remained on schedule. It is expected to notify candidates of the status of their submissions by November 16, when the official campaign period is due to begin.
Of the 27 prospective candidates initially registered, four have withdrawn, including Alkali Cham and Sheikh Matarr Nyang.
