United Movement for Change (UNITE) leader Talib Ahmed Bensouda is the only presidential aspirant to have met all nomination requirements so far, as the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) continues processing submissions ahead of the December 5 election.

IEC Chairman Joseph Colley said at a media briefing that the Commission had received 12 nomination submissions by the end of the sixth day of the exercise, with further aspirants expected before nominations close on November 14.

Six aspirants have withdrawn, including the All Inclusive Party, Gambia Action Party, National Unity Party (NUP) and independent candidates Musa Jallow, Ismaila Jobe and Alkali Cham. The NUP has informed the IEC of its intention to join the Team Gambia Grand Coalition.

Colley said four submissions remained unprocessed because the required D1 million nomination deposit had not been paid. They belong to the Democratic Party and independent aspirants Salieu Jallow, Alieu Sowe and Joseph Henry Joof.

The Gambia Labour Party’s submission, presented by Bakusa Dukureh, has also not been processed following his public acknowledgement of dual citizenship. His secondary school certificate has been referred for verification.

Of the seven submissions processed, Bensouda is the only aspirant requiring no additional documentation or supporting signatures.

Former Vice President Dr Isatou Touray needs 12 additional signatures from the Kerewan Administrative Area, while Modou Lamin Sima requires 1,040 nationally.

National Builders Party candidate Ansu Sanneh needs 379 additional signatures and further citizenship verification. Kebba Madi Bojang of the National Democratic Party requires 1,914 signatures, while his secondary school certificate is also undergoing verification.

Independent aspirant Bakary K. Badjie needs 2,310 additional signatures, while People’s Alliance Party leader Ebrima Tabora Manneh requires 1,507.

The nomination exercise remains open until November 14, 2026, with the IEC expected to process further submissions before the deadline.