IEC Gambia: Presidential Nomination Dates Set for 2026 Election

• The Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) has set November 3-14, 2026, as the period for presidential nominations for The Gambia's December 5, 2026 election.
• Nomination forms will be issued starting September 21, 2026, with candidates required to meet strict criteria under Section 41 of the Elections Act, including 5,000 nominators, asset declarations, and tax certificates.
• The IEC has completed administrative preparations, including publishing the Gazette notice and appointing election officers by September 2, 2026, and will advertise for election staff on October 2, 2026.
• Fourteen revising courts are actively hearing cases, with the IEC affirming its non-interference policy and expecting their work to conclude within 60 days as per the Elections Act.

The formal nomination process for presidential candidates will take place from November 3 to November 14, 2026, as preparations for The Gambia's December 2026 election enter a critical stage.

The Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) has officially announced the critical timeline for The Gambia's upcoming presidential election, scheduled for December 5, 2026. Prospective candidates will undergo a formal nomination process between November 3 and November 14, 2026. This significant update was delivered by IEC Chairman Joseph Colley on Thursday during a stakeholder engagement held at the Sir Dawda Kairaba Jawara International Conference Centre, marking a crucial phase in the electoral preparations.

Ahead of the formal nomination period, the IEC will commence issuing nomination forms on September 21, 2026. This early distribution aims to provide ample time for individuals intending to run for the presidency to meticulously prepare all necessary documentation. The entire nomination process, including the submission and correction of documents, will adhere strictly to the provisions outlined in Sections 41, 46, and 48 of the Elections Act, ensuring a structured and legally compliant procedure for all aspirants.

Aspiring presidential candidates in The Gambia must satisfy a stringent set of criteria as stipulated by Section 41 of the Elections Act. Each candidate is required to secure nominations from a minimum of 5,000 registered voters, and crucially, must provide comprehensive contact details, including telephone numbers, for every nominator. Beyond popular support, candidates must also submit a sworn declaration of their assets and present a valid tax certificate confirming that all due taxes have been fully paid.

Furthermore, the Elections Act includes specific rules to prevent multiple endorsements: a registered voter is prohibited from signing nomination papers for more than one candidate vying for the same office. Should a voter contravene this rule by signing multiple forms, only the very first nomination paper delivered to the authorities will be considered valid. Under Section 46 of the Elections Act, a Returning Officer possesses the authority to reject any nomination paper if the submitted information or accompanying documents fail to meet the prescribed legal requirements; however, rejection does not automa.

In preparation for the December 2026 polls, the IEC has already completed several foundational administrative steps. The official Gazette notice for the election has been published, and the appointment of returning officers, senior assistant returning officers, and the establishment of results collation arrangements were finalized on September 2, 2026. These actions align with Section 39 of the Elections Act, which mandates the Commission to issue a Gazette notice when an election is necessary, detailing relevant dates and locations.

Looking ahead, the Commission plans to advertise for election and polling staff on October 2, 2026, in accordance with Section 6 of the Elections Act. This section outlines the IEC's responsibility for appointing all necessary personnel, including election officers and presiding officers, to effectively conduct the election. The law also sets clear conditions for these appointments: individuals must be qualified to register as a voter and must not have been convicted of an offense involving dishonesty or moral turpitude, nor involved in election fraud or any election-related offense.

A vital component of the electoral framework involves the ongoing work of the revising courts, which are currently hearing cases related to voter registration and other electoral matters. IEC Chairman Joseph Colley expressed optimism that these courts would conclude their duties within the 60-day timeframe stipulated by the Elections Act. He affirmed that the IEC maintains a strict policy of non-interference with the judicial process, stating unequivocally that the Commission will not intervene in their work, as these are independent courts of law.

The Gambia currently operates 14 revising courts across various regions. Kanifing Magistrate's Court hosts two such courts, while Bundung Magistrate's Court has one, specifically serving the Yarambamba area. Brikama Magistrate's Court and Mansakonko Magistrate's Court each have two revising courts. The Kerewan Administrative Area is served by two courts, located in Kerewan and Farafenni. The Central River Region has three courts, sitting in Kaur, Kuntaur, and Janjanbureh, while the Upper River Region's two courts are both situated at the Basse Magistrate's Court.

Lawyers advising prospective presidential candidates or political parties in The Gambia must note the strict deadlines for nomination (Nov 3-14, 2026) and form issuance (Sept 21, 2026). They should meticulously review and ensure compliance with the specific requirements under Sections 41, 46, and 48 of the Elections Act, particularly regarding the minimum number of nominators, asset declarations, and tax certificates, to avoid disqualification. Practitioners involved in electoral disputes should also monitor the ongoing work of the revising courts.

Source: Original reporting via The Point