Former Justice Minister Joseph Henry Joof has made a third attempt to run for president as an independent candidate, but he has yet to complete the paperwork required for his nomination.
Joof, 66, went to the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) ahead of The Gambia’s 2026 presidential election. He previously sought to enter the races in 2016 and 2021.
At the IEC, Joof submitted his voter’s card along with scanned and photocopied documents. He told the commission’s chairman that some of the documents were lengthy and that he no longer had the originals. His asset declaration and tax clearance certificate were among the outstanding requirements.
The D1 million nomination fee also remained unresolved. Joof reportedly offered to use some of his properties as collateral, but the IEC chairman told him the fee had to be paid through the prescribed banking process.
Speaking to journalists, Joof said he wanted to run because he loved The Gambia and believed he could help move it forward. Asked why voters should take his bid seriously, he called himself a “fine gentleman” who had served the country in several roles. He said he was not seeking the presidency for entertainment.
Joof pointed to his work as justice minister and attorney general, including his role in introducing the dual citizenship law and establishing the Supreme Court. He also cited his time as president of the Gambia Bar Association and vice president of the African Bar.
His proposed campaign symbols—a hoe and a traditional local fan—drew attention at the nomination ground. He chose orange and black as his proposed colours and brought a piece of orange cloth to show the commission.
Joof’s nomination remained incomplete at the time of reporting. The IEC will review aspiring candidates’ submissions before deciding who is eligible to contest the election.
