The Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) has revealed it rejected the nominations of five national assembly aspirants for April 9 elections. 

Nomination of parliamentary candidates was conducted from 5 to 13 March. Two hundred and fifty-one candidates were nominated.

“The nomination papers of five aspirants were rejected. Five nominated candidates withdrew their candidature. 

“A second nomination was conducted, but only for the Kiang West Constituency where the initial candidate died,” Alieu Momar Njai told a press briefing on Wednesday. 

“This availed another opportunity to the Gambia for All (GFA) party to maintain its candidate in the Kiang West Constituency. Subsequently, a total of 246 candidates are contesting the elections.

“They are the candidates currently campaigning across the country The campaign for the National Assembly elections started from 17 March and shall end tomorrow 7 April,” he added.

Meanwhile, Mr Njai commended the Inspector General Police for providing adequate security during the nomination and campaign periods, adding that “the Commission will once again put in place robust measures to ensure that the voting, counting results, tabulation and declaration are done in the most transparent and accurate manner.

“Polling and Counting Agents from each of the Political Parties and Candidates are encouraged to watch the whole process from start to finish.”

Mr Njai assured Gambians that the Commission is fully committed to deliver a free, fair and transparent parliamentary elections come 9h April.

Reporting by Adama Makasuba