Five candidates confirmed for Gambia’s 2026 presidential election
By the AFREEQUE newsroom, based on Gambiana and Africanews
The Gambian electoral commission has confirmed five candidates for the 5 December 2026 presidential election, including incumbent president Adama Barrow, Ousainou Darboe and Talib Ahmed Bensouda, according to Africanews. Five other candidacies remain under review after 18 applications were submitted in total. The campaign is due to begin next Monday.
The Independent Electoral Commission of The Gambia has confirmed five candidates for the 5 December presidential election, including incumbent President Adama Barrow, who is seeking a third term, according to Africanews. Ousainou Darboe, leader of the main opposition party, and Talib Ahmed Bensouda are also among those retained.
The commission received 18 applications and examined the files over a period of a week and a half. Five other candidacies remain under review, while the commission is due to continue its announcements on Friday.
Adama Barrow can legally seek a third term under the 1997 Constitution, which sets no limit on the number of presidential terms. Two draft constitutions aimed in particular at introducing such a limit have been rejected by MPs since he came to power in 2016.
Ousainou Darboe, a former vice-president and leader of the United Democratic Party, is running for president for the fifth time after finishing second in his four previous bids. Talib Ahmed Bensouda, who enjoys significant support among young people, left the Kanifing Municipal Council mayoralty last week after a government report accused him of financial irregularities, allegations his party described as a political manoeuvre.
