By Makutu Manneh
The Independent Electoral Commission announced on Wednesday that it will hold councilor by-elections in Bantanjang and Kaiaf wards on Jan. 10, 2026, following the deaths of the two sitting councilors earlier this year.
The vacancies were created after the passing of Araba Bojang of Bantanjang Ward in the Brikama Area Council and Hamat Ceesay of Kaiaf Ward in the Mansakonko Area Council. The IEC said the elections are being conducted in accordance with Section 23 of the Local Government Act.
Nominations for prospective candidates will take place from Dec. 25 to 27 between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. at the commission’s regional offices in Sibanor and Mansakonko, the IEC said. Nomination papers will be available beginning Dec. 4 at the same locations.
“Nomination papers can be collected from the said regional offices from 4th December, 2025, onwards. The campaign period for the said elections shall start from 29th December, 2025, to 8th January, 2026,” the commission noted.
According to the commission, the campaign period will run from Dec. 29 through Jan. 8.
The IEC, mandated to administer all public elections, emphasized its continued commitment to ensuring a transparent and peaceful process, including oversight of voter registration, civic education, and the conduct of political campaigns.