The Independent Electoral Commission has started receiving nomination papers from presidential aspirants for the December election.

About 26 presidential candidates are expected to file in their documents to the nation’s electoral body for approval.

IEC on Saturday started off its 2021 nomination day with independent candidates – Joseph Joof, former president of The Gambia Bar Association,  followed by Marie Sock, the nation’s only female presidential aspirant.

Speaking to the journalists shortly after filing in her nomination papers, Mrs Sock-Jorbarteh said her primary objective is to give voice to the women and girls.

“Well, this is the time for women and I think the time is now and I want to give voice to every young girl out there and every woman out there to start to have a voice and representation in politics and in the government,” she said.

Mrs Sock-Jobarteh said she is inspired to lead the country after seeing how women and girls continue to struggle in the country after returning from overseas in 2013.

Mamdi Kurang who also submitted his credential told the press the country needs somebody who can solve the poverty in the country, saying “I am a problem solver.

“We have no issues as we are Gambian citizens and we are qualified professionally and we have submitted more than 6000 signatures. 

“Well, I think I am the right candidate at the moment. The world is going through changes and The Gambia needs to find a candidate that can sail through those difficulties that the global society is facing. 

“Somebody who understands the economic issues, the political issues and the global issues. I have been tested and proven,” he said.

Mathew Gomez however withdrew his nomination to the Independent Electoral Commission, but he refused to speak to reporters about his decision to be nominated for the December presidential election.

Meanwhile, on Sunday, the electoral body continued its nomination process that saw independent candidate Professor Momodou Bah filed in his credential.

“I have sent all the documents that I have been asked for, what is going to happen depends on them [the IEC]. The people are sick and hungry, so we need to put more money into the economy for the business sector,” Prof Bah said.

“I have done a lot for this country and it is written in a book called the eyewitness.”

Ebrima Tabora Manneh told reporters that he will address rising poverty in the country, saying “It is because of these numerous challenges that is why I will contest to make the change Gambians deserve.”

“There is extreme poverty in this country, and we will take ownership of this country. We will live together, grow the economy together and prosper together in this country,” he said.

Bankole Ahadzie popularly known as Banky also officially presented his nomination to the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC).

“I have taken a COVID-19 test just yesterday and the results are not out. Therefore, I do not want to endanger the lives of members of the public by taking interviews.”

Banky, 43, said: “Don’t judge me by my appearance, don’t judge me by my hairstyle, listen to what my manifesto is and how I can change lives when elected.”

Reporting by Adama Makasuba