Independent presidential aspirant Papa Secka submitted his nomination papers to the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) on Tuesday, seeking a place on the ballot for The Gambia’s December 5 election. His candidacy remains subject to the commission’s verification and approval.
Secka arrived at the IEC with supporters and his two wives. Speaking to journalists after handing in his documents, he called for a “national reset” built on transparency, accountability and greater Gambian ownership of the country’s resources.
“It is time to reset the nation. The country has issues with its resources, and there is a need for Gambians to have ownership of their land and transparency in how it is being used,” Secka said.
Secka said he chose to run independently because he had not found a political leader whose agenda adequately addressed Gambians’ needs. He also called for stronger oversight of public finances, pointing to public concern over allegations of corruption and misuse of state funds. Those remarks were part of his case for the presidency, not an IEC finding about his eligibility.
The IEC’s published timetable sets the nomination period from November 3 to November 14. Submitting papers is one step in that process; the commission must still determine whether Secka meets the requirements to contest the December 5 vote.
