Dumbuya Pledges Two-Term Presidential Limit Within 90 Days, Rent Subsidies as He Files Nomination Papers

By Makutu Manneh

Yusupha A. Dumbuya, presidential aspirant for the Democratic Party, has formally submitted his nomination papers to the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) ahead of the December 5 presidential election, pledging to introduce a constitutional two-term presidential limit within his first 90 days in office if elected.

Speaking to journalists shortly after submitting his documents on Wednesday, November 4, 2026, Mr. Dumbuya outlined an ambitious agenda focused on constitutional reform, affordable housing, free education, and economic relief for low-income Gambians.

He said his administration’s first priority would be to address what he described as years of political mismanagement by ensuring that presidential term limits are enshrined in the Constitution.

Mr. Dumbuya pledged to accomplish the reform within 90 days of assuming office, saying he would rely on the support of Gambians to deliver on the commitment.

Beyond constitutional reform, he identified the high cost of housing as another pressing concern, promising government subsidies to make rental accommodation more affordable.

Under his proposal, the monthly rent for a two-bedroom house would be reduced to D3,000, while a well-equipped three-bedroom house would cost D4,000, with the government subsidizing the difference.

Mr. Dumbuya described his political platform as one designed primarily to improve the living conditions of poor and vulnerable Gambians.

“Our agenda is a pro-agenda for the poor, and if you consider yourself poor, who wants change and wants a reliable candidate, go ahead and vote for Dumbuya,” he said.

He maintained that his administration would prioritize constitutional reform, affordable housing, and free education as part of a broader effort to address economic inequality.

The presidential aspirant also criticized successive governments for failing to resolve longstanding socioeconomic challenges, including unreliable electricity, food insecurity, inadequate housing, and low wages.

He expressed particular concern about the working conditions and salaries of security personnel and teachers, as well as what he described as the neglect of single women and economically disadvantaged households.

According to Mr. Dumbuya, The Gambia has struggled with many of these problems for 65 years, despite successive promises of economic and social transformation.

He also criticized the education system, arguing that it disproportionately benefits middle- and high-income families while leaving children from poorer households at a disadvantage.

Mr. Dumbuya pledged to introduce free education for high school and university students, alongside free prescription medication for low-income Gambians.

He said his administration would also pursue policies aimed at expanding access to affordable housing and improving economic opportunities for vulnerable communities.

The Democratic Party aspirant argued that Gambians deserve greater economic sovereignty and a fairer distribution of national resources.

He maintained that the country had reached a critical moment in which political leadership must prioritize the welfare of ordinary citizens and create opportunities for economic prosperity.

Expressing concern over the hardships facing Gambians, Mr. Dumbuya said the country’s socioeconomic conditions were deeply troubling and required urgent political action.

He said he found it difficult to sleep knowing the challenges many Gambians endure daily, describing their circumstances as both sad and alarming.

Mr. Dumbuya urged citizens to take greater responsibility for the country’s political future, insisting that the December presidential election presents an opportunity to pursue meaningful change.

His submission of nomination papers marks a step in his bid to contest the December 5 election, subject to the IEC’s verification and approval of his candidacy.