Alieu Sowe submits independent presidential candidacy in Gambia
By the AFREEQUE newsroom, based on Foroyaa
Former Gambian army major Alieu Sowe submitted his application on 5 November for the 5 December presidential election. The Independent Electoral Commission still has to verify his 5,000 endorsements and several documents, while the required one million dalasi deposit remains unpaid, according to Foroyaa.
Former Gambian army major Alieu Sowe submitted his application on 5 November for the 5 December presidential election to the Independent Electoral Commission of Gambia. His application remains incomplete, notably because he had not yet paid the one million dalasi nomination deposit, according to Foroyaa.
Alieu Sowe submitted a list of 5,000 supporters whose signatures must be verified, as well as an asset declaration, a campaign ethics pledge, a manifesto and a photograph. The Electoral Commission also asked him to renew his expired national identity card and provide details of his campaign itinerary, colour and information relating to his symbol, Foroyaa reports.
In his manifesto, Alieu Sowe makes security, health and agriculture his main priorities. He notably promises that an elected government would tackle crime within 30 days. Asked about his past in the administration of former president Yahya Jammeh, he says the experience taught him leadership lessons and says he wants to enter politics to serve Gambians.
Alieu Sowe's candidacy comes during the nomination period open from 3 to 14 November for the 5 December presidential election, after the publication of a list of twenty-five presidential aspirants in Gambia on 2 November, according to Foroyaa.
