By Nelson Manneh
The Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) on Wednesday 6th October 2021 revealed the requirements for nomination of candidates for the 2021 presidential election.
The Chief Election Officer (CEO) of the Election Commission, Sambujang Njie, said nomination forms are out and individuals who want to contest for the December 2021 Presidential election should collect the forms at the Election House in Bakau.
“Aspiring candidates may collect nomination papers at the Election House free of charge. Nominations will be conducted from the 30th October to 5th November 2021, from 8 am to 4 pm daily at the Election House,” he said.
CEO Njie said candidates would be allocated time to present their nomination papers to the returning officer of the election.
“Security arrangements will be put in place by the Gambia Police Force to ensure a peaceful and orderly nomination period. Political parties and candidates are advised to fully cooperate with the Police to ensure proper security,” he said.
REQUIREMENT FOR THE NOMINATION OF A PRESIDENT
A candidate shall be a citizen of The Gambia.
A candidate has attained a minimum age of thirty years.
A candidate has completed senior secondary school education.
A candidate has been ordinarily resident in The Gambia for the five years immediately preceding the election.
A candidate shall be nominated by not less than five thousand voters whose names appeared in the register of voters with at least two hundred voters being drawn from each Administrative Area.
Sworn Declaration of Assets.
Tax Clearance Certificate.
Payment of Deposit of Ten thousand dalasis (D10, 000) as amended.
Representative symbol, colour and photographs of a candidate.
A person who is qualified to be registered as a voter under the Constitution and the Election Act may contest as an independent candidate in any election.
A political party/candidate shall abide by the code on election campaign ethics which the Commission may time to time prepare.
A submission of a manifesto encouraging the spirit of tolerance and multiculturalism.
