The nomination process needs to be understood by the Gambian voter. The first step is for the Independent Electoral Commission to give a date for the submission of the requirements of each candidate to be presented for scrutiny and determination.
If the candidate satisfies all the requirements his or her nomination would be accepted by the returning officer. This, however, is not the end of the process. The next stage is to give opportunity to every registered voter to scrutinise the credentials of the candidate and raise objections before 4pm on nomination day. If no objection arises up to 4pm then such a person should be considered to have been successfully nominated.
On the other hand, if objections are raised before 4pm the returning officer will preside over a hearing and will conclude and make a decision within two days and the decision of the Commission shall be final as far as the election is concerned.
As we go to press, we have reliably learnt that Hon. Mamma Kandeh’s application for nomination has been accepted. We are not aware of any objection to the nomination.
Adama Barrow will be presenting his credentials for nomination on Wednesday 9 November at 12 noon.
The incumbent will be presenting his nomination papers on Thursday 10 November and we will also be covering his nomination. The outcome of the 2016 presidential election will be determined by the Gambian people.
2 December will reveal who would be elected by the Gambian people to preside over the affairs of the nation.
