Presidential hopefuls in The Gambia will have 12 days in November to formally submit their nominations for the December 5, 2026 election, the Independent Electoral Commission has announced.

The IEC said the nomination period will run from November 3 to November 14, giving political parties and independent aspirants a firm deadline to complete the requirements for contesting the presidential race.

IEC Chairman Joseph Colley announced the timetable on Thursday at the Commission’s Stakeholder Forum at the Sir Dawda Kairaba Jawara International Conference Center.

He said nomination forms would be available to prospective candidates from September 21, allowing them to begin preparing the necessary documentation well ahead of the formal nomination period.

“Nomination of candidates for the presidential election of 5th December, 2026 will take place from 3rd to 14th November, 2026, both dates inclusive,” Colley said.

The announcement comes as political parties and prospective candidates step up preparations for an election that is now less than three months away.

Beyond the nomination process, the IEC is also dealing with the ongoing revision of the voter register.

Colley said revising courts have started hearing cases arising from objections during the registration process and are expected to complete their work within the 60-day period provided by law.

He said the Commission would respect the independence of the courts and would not interfere with their deliberations.

“The courts are independent, and as such, the Commission shall not interfere in their deliberations,” he said.

The IEC is also conducting training and capacity-building programmes for key stakeholders ahead of polling day.

Political parties, civil society organisations, journalists through the Gambia Press Union, the Gambia Police Force and the Gambia Federation of the Disabled have already participated in training, with more stakeholders expected to be included.

According to Colley, the training covers areas including candidate nomination, voter education, polling procedures and electoral dispute resolution.

He said the Commission’s preparations are aimed at ensuring a smooth electoral process.

“The ultimate goal is to ensure the conduct of seamless, peaceful, inclusive and transparent elections in December 2026 and beyond,” Colley said.

By Adama Makasuba