Bensouda Files Presidential Nomination, Says Government White Paper Cannot Bar His Candidacy

By Makutu Manneh

Talib Ahmed Bensouda, the presidential candidate of Coalition 2026, submitted his nomination papers to the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) on Saturday, dismissing suggestions that the government’s White Paper on the Local Government Commission of Inquiry could disqualify him from contesting the December 5 presidential election.

Speaking to journalists after submitting his documents, Mr. Bensouda maintained that his candidacy was not under threat, insisting that there was no legal basis for excluding him from the race.

He expressed confidence that the IEC would process his nomination in accordance with the law and that his name would appear on the presidential ballot.

Mr. Bensouda argued that any attempt to disqualify him without a lawful basis would undermine the democratic principles and rule of law upon which The Gambia is founded.

“Today is a proud moment where I submit my nomination papers as a candidate for the President of the Republic of The Gambia. As we all know, this country was built on the foundations of peace, progress, and prosperity. And justice is the glue for these principles,” he said.

The Coalition 2026 candidate called for a peaceful and credible electoral process, expressing hope that the IEC would uphold its constitutional responsibilities and safeguard the democratic principles governing elections.

His remarks come amid questions surrounding his eligibility following the government’s White Paper on the Local Government Commission of Inquiry, which recommended his removal as mayor of the Kanifing Municipal Council.

Mr. Bensouda, however, insisted that the White Paper did not constitute a legal impediment to his presidential ambitions.

Bensouda Outlines Poverty Reduction Agenda
Turning to his campaign priorities, Mr. Bensouda said tackling poverty would be central to his administration’s agenda if elected president.

He described the economic difficulties facing Gambians as a major national challenge and pledged to lead efforts to improve living standards and expand economic opportunities.

Mr. Bensouda said Coalition 2026 was presenting a 66-point policy agenda designed to transform the country’s economy, strengthen governance, and improve the welfare of citizens.

He identified ending poverty within a decade as one of the coalition’s principal objectives, promising to pursue policies aimed at moving the country toward greater economic prosperity.

Pledges Independent Attorney General to Implement TRRC Recommendations
Asked about Coalition 2026’s position on the recommendations of the Truth, Reconciliation and Reparations Commission (TRRC), Mr. Bensouda pledged to introduce institutional reforms aimed at strengthening judicial independence and accountability.

He said a government under his leadership would separate the Office of the Attorney General from the Ministry of Justice, ending the current arrangement in which the two functions are combined.

Under the proposed reform, he explained, the Attorney General would not be a political appointee but would instead operate independently, with a mandate to pursue justice without fear or favor.

Mr. Bensouda said the proposed arrangement would help ensure that the implementation of the TRRC recommendations and other matters of accountability would not be subject to political interference.

His comments underscored Coalition 2026’s stated commitment to institutional reform, accountability and poverty reduction as he seeks to secure a place on the ballot for the December presidential election.