Talib Ahmed Bensouda has submitted his presidential nomination papers to the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC), insisting that questions about his eligibility won’t keep him out of the race.
The 40-year-old Unite Movement for Change (UMC) leader and candidate for Coalition 2026, arrived on Saturday with his wife and thousands of supporters. He handed in 16 documents, including his national ID card, school results, degree certificate and voter’s card.
IEC officials asked Bensouda to provide proof of his Gambian citizenship and explain why he had resigned as mayor. He said his ID established his citizenship and that he stepped down to meet the requirements for running for president.
Bensouda also rejected claims that the government’s White Paper could disqualify him. “My candidacy is not threatened at all,” he told journalists, adding that he expected the IEC to put him on the ballot.
He promised to tackle poverty and reform the justice system if elected. His party’s 66-point manifesto, he said, aims to end poverty within a decade. He also called for the Office of the Attorney General to be separated from the Ministry of Justice.
Supporters and coalition figures said they were satisfied with the documents submitted, but the IEC has yet to clear his nomination. After filing, Bensouda and his supporters headed to a rally at the Buffer Zone.
